M. John Shepherd, Jr., 72, went home to be with His Lord and Savior on September 30, 2016. He was born in Norfolk to the late Melvin and Louise Shepherd. John, known at the Norfolk Ford plant as "The Work Horse", retired after 30 years of service and was a member of IBEW, Local 80. John was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a former member of London Bridge Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 53 years, Anita Hanks Shepherd; daughters, Melinda Tomazin and her husband, Mike, and Rhonda Starcher and her husband, Matt; the light of his life, his grandchildren, Mia, Owen, Riley, Ruby, and Anna; brother, Steve Shepherd and his wife, Donna; and a host of other family and friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to leave a condolence to the family.