Charles Eugene “Gene” Shepard, 77, of Phenix City, AL passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019 at his home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 31,2019 at 11 a.m. EST at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL with Rev. David Barton, Rev. Dewayne Dean, and Rev. Marvin Minton officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, October 30th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EST at the funeral home.

Gene was born February 6, 1942 in Barbour County, AL, son of George Dewey Shepard and Annie Will Green Shepard. He worked and grew up with the family of Hamrick’s Tires in Phenix City for 40 years. He was owner and operator of 280 Auto Services for years as well. His hard work, dedication, and skills had the community calling him “one of the best brake and front-end men in the area.” He enjoyed anything that had to do with the outdoors like farming, fishing, observing deer, and going to East Alabama Motor Speedway. Most of all, he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren, hoping that he would teach them each something. He was a Christian and had a special love for The Carpenter’s House, Unity Fellowship Baptist Church, and Crawford Road Baptist Church. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Faye Morrison and Mary Matusevich, and brother, Donnell Shepard.

He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 55 years, Betty Woodard Shepard, two children, Jeff Shepard and wife Terry, and Shannan Spurlin and husband Roy, one sister, Margaret Campbell, (5) grandchildren, Justin Long, Mary Beth Shepard, Haley Pennington, Chase Pennington, and Jeremy Spurlin, as well as Robin Smith, several other nieces, nephews, extended family, and host of friends.