Billie Jean Shepard, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. She lived at 23305 Harbor Light Circle in Abingdon, VA on South Holston Lake.
She was married to Air Force Colonel Jack E. Shepard for 60 years. Col. Shepard served America for 30 years and earned the Silver Star. Mrs. Shepard served her country alongside her husband, traveling the world, living on many Air Force bases and supported him as an elegant, loyal, beautiful and patriotic wife. She was born in Bristol, TN and graduated from Tennessee High.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vollie Preston Bouton and Louise Rogers Bouton of Bristol, TN; brother, David Rogers Bouton; and a niece Regina Bouton.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Silver Star recipient, Air Force Colonel Jack E. Shepard; brothers, Robert Bouton of Bedford, VA and Joe Bouton and wife, Sandra of Williamsburg, VA; sisters, Katherine Ball of Fredericksburg, VA, Mary Ruth Henry and husband, Don of Kingsport, TN and Martha Ann Bouton-Beverly of Blountville, TN; brother-in-law, Joe Shepard of New Mexico; nieces and nephews, Alexander Preston Beverly, J.R. Bobby Ball, Donna Ruth Fee, Steve Ball, Dave Ball, Deborah Chappell, Kevin Bouton, Stacey Bouton, Lisa Bouton and Laura Ann Bouton; many cousins and great nieces and nephews and special cousin, Juanita Grubb.
The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 11:30 A.M. 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 7, 2011.
Burial and graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 2, 2011.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 2008 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203 in honor of Alex Beverly.
Mrs. Shepard and her family are under the care of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.