Ray Vern Shepherd, 72, of Pensacola, FL., passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021.

Ray was born in El Paso, TX and attended Junction City Sr. High School. He retired in 1992 from the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 1st Class after more than 23 years. He spent 22 years working for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Dental Laboratory Technician and retired in 2015.

Ray was genuine, honest, creative, caring hardworking, nurturing and passionate about helping others. If he came across someone or something he could help, he did so without hesitation. Whether it was a person, plant, animal or even an injured butterfly that any other person wouldn't give a second thought about, he took the time and effort to pick them off the ground and build them back up to their true potential. He loved the outdoors, gardening, reading, and cooking, but most of all his children, nephews, and grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his father, Vern Donald Shepherd.

Ray is survived by his mother, Josefina Shepherd of Houston, TX; son, Michael Cody Shepherd; daughter, Michelle Rae Muysenberg (Ryan); grandsons, Parker Alexander and Grant Michael Richard Muysenberg; granddaughter, Cora Ray Muysenberg; brothers, David Shepherd of Houston, TX and Victor Shepherd of Hamilton, MT and sister, Marta Arnold (Forest) of Cypress, TX.

His ashes will be placed at Barrancas National Cemetery.