Robert Leslie Sheppard

Robert Leslie Sheppard was born on June 23, 1941, to Robert Lewis and Donelle Taylor Sheppard. He was born in Batesburg, South Carolina, and remained a lifelong resident of the Batesburg‑Leesville community.

He graduated from Batesburg‑Leesville High School, where he was a member of The Beta Club, was elected Class President, and excelled as an athlete, lettering in both baseball and basketball. He later attended the University of South Carolina before entering the textile industry. Robert dedicated over thirty‑one years of service to Allied Chemical/Allied Fibers, which later became Shaw Industries, retiring with pride and commitment. In addition to his full‑time career, Robert worked for Milton Shealy Funeral Home for many years as a part‑time employee, serving families in the community with the same steady dependability he carried throughout his life.

Robert was a proud patriot. He was an Endowment Life Member and later a Patron Life Member of the National Rifle Association. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed fishing but found his greatest passion in hunting. He was highly enthusiastic and accomplished, successfully harvesting deer, turkey, small game, and migratory game birds.

He was also a lifelong vehicle enthusiast. In his early years, he raced, and throughout his life he maintained a deep love for classic cars and Harley‑Davidson motorcycles. He cherished showing his collector cars and riding motorcycles with his sons, brothers, and friends.

Robert and Brenda shared a love of the outdoors, birdwatching, and camping. They spent many years traveling and camping with their sons, their daughters’ families, his brothers, and many dear friends along the way.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church Batesburg, Robert led the Youth Group throughout the 1970s and served multiple terms as a Deacon. At the age of seventy‑eight, he joined two of his sons in being raised a Master Mason in Batesburg‑Leesville Lodge #138. He later became a Shriner, continuing his lifelong dedication to serving others.

Known affectionately by many names—Robert, Leslie, Butch, Bob, Papa, PopPop, Uncle Leck—he loved spending time with his family and sharing his interests with them. He enjoyed attending ball games, school events, dance recitals, and teaching his children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren about hunting and fishing. He also treasured quiet moments in the sunroom with his “girlfriend,” Brenda, listening to Bluegrass music.

Robert is survived by his wife of 38 years, Brenda Turner Sheppard; his sons, Byron (Michele), Robbie (Katherine), and Jonathan Ray (Christie); daughter, Allison Hall (Jason); 10 grandchildren; and seven great‑grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Drayton Wayne Sheppard.

The service to celebrate the life of Robert will be held at 2 o'clock on Monday, September 28th at First Baptist Church of Batesburg. The Rev. Neal Smith and Rev. Henry Stamper will officiate. Burial will follow in Batesburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 o'clock in the sanctuary prior to the service beginning. Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Sheppard’s Helping Hands for their exceptional care and love. They also offer sincere thanks to Brandi Hallman and the staff of Amedisys Hospice Care for their guidance, compassion, and dedicated attention to Robert’s medical needs during this difficult time