Edwin C. Shepherd, MD

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Celebrating the life of
Edwin C. Shepherd, MDJune 19, 1921 - May 30, 2014

Savannah- Edwin Collier Shepherd, 92, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 30, 2014. Born June 19, 1921 in Charleston, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Tisdale Talmadge Shepherd and Katherine Evelyn Sauls Shepherd. His family moved to Savannah in 1927 where he attended public schools and graduated from Savannah High School. He received a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Georgia, where he was a member and president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a member of the University of Georgia Male Glee Club and a member of Phi Kappa Phi Literary Society.

During World War II, he volunteered for service in the US Army, completed infantry basic training at Fort Benning, GA, and was assigned to the 63rd infantry division. Following army discharge, he enrolled in the University of Georgia School of Medicine earning his MD in 1948. Internship, Pediatric Residency, and Specialty Education followed at Columbia Hospital of Richland County and at the Washington Children's Hospital - The National Children's Medical Center.

In July 1952, Dr. Shepherd opened his office in Savannah for the practice of Pediatric medicine. This practice was interrupted during the late stages of the Korean crisis when he was called to active duty by the Georgia National Guard, where he served as medical officer for the 48th division artillery.

Captain Shepherd was sent to the 5th General Hospital in Stuttgart Germany where he was chief of the pediatric care and consultation program for military dependents throughout the region.

Upon returning to Savannah, Dr. Shepherd joined Dr. Carl Brennan and Dr. Milton Mazo in forming Pediatric Associates of Savannah, the first private pediatric group practice established in Savannah. Countless Savannahians will remember Dr. Shepherd affectionately as the singing doctor, who calmed their childhood fears with silly songs.

During his professional career, Dr. Shepherd served as Chairman of the Pediatrics staff at each of the Savannah hospitals. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics, Honorary President of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a charter member of the Southern Perinatal Society. A member of the American and Southern Medical Associations, he was also a delegate to the Medical Association of Georgia and was twice Vice President and member of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Medical Society.

He was a founder and a member of the Board of the Savannah Association for Retarded Children, the pediatric consultant for the Chatham County Division for Crippled Children, a board member of the Chatham County Chapter of the National Foundation for Polio and Birth Defects, Medical Director for Bethesda Savannah Children's Center, and on the Advisory Committee of the Savannah Speech and Hearing Center. Dr. Shepherd represented the Georgia Medical Society on the United Way Health Council, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Medical College of Georgia Alumni Society. He was a member and Past President of the retired Physicians' Committee of the Georgia Medical Society, and in 1996 received the Society's "Dr. John B. Rabun Award for Outstanding Community Service over the Years."

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Backus Children's Hospital at Memorial Health University Medical Center, its interim Medical Director, and the Children's Hospital Liaison to the Foundation at Memorial. In 1994 he was active in the creation of the One Hundred, a volunteer organization designed to provide financial support to the Backus Children's Hospital, advocacy for Savannah's children, and community education regarding their health care needs. In 1999, he and Mrs. Shepherd were greatly honored by The One Hundred when it established the Dr. Edwin and Elizabeth Shepherd Distinguished Lectureship Award.

A parishioner of St. John's Church in Savannah since 1952, he served on the vestry for over twenty years, was Senior Warden, and was elected Emeritus vestryman in 1994. He attended many Diocesan conventions, served on many committees, and was a Lay Deputy to the National Convention of the Episcopal Church three times and to the Episcopal Synod of America in 1989.

Dr. Shepherd served on the advisory or executive boards of All Kids Count, the Coastal Empire Council, the Boy Scouts of America, the YMCA, and the Savannah Benevolent Association. He was Past President and several times a board member of the Rotary Club of Savannah, where he had been a member since 1953. He was on the Board of Trustees of the University of the South Sewanee, and the Savannah Country Day School, and the Board of Directors of the Royce Learning Center. He was on the Advisory Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Social organizations included the Cotillion Club, the Savannah Yacht Club, the Savannah Golf Club, the Landings Club and the Oglethorpe Club, where he was a member of the Board of Governors from 1988 – 1991. He was a charter member and past board member of the German Heritage Society of Savannah. He was also a member of the St. Andrews Society where he served as chaplain for a number of years, the Coastal Scottish Heritage Society, the Clan Donnachaidh Society of North America, Scottish Heritage USA, and a charter member of the Scottish American Military Society.

Throughout his life, Dr. Shepherd was an avid sportsman, athlete, and fan. Skeet-shooting, hunting, fishing, and especially golf brought him great pleasure. He was a loyal Georgia Bulldogs fan, attending almost every home football game for over five decades, even past the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 52 years, Betty McCuen Shepherd; his only sister, Katherine Shepherd Wysong; and his oldest brother, Elton Wesley Shepherd.

Surviving are his daughter, Janet Elizabeth Shepherd; son and daughter-in-law, Edwin C. Shepherd, Jr. Sandy and Melanie York Shepherd; brother and sister-in-law, Robert Sauls and Betty B. Shepherd; grandson, Edwin C. Shepherd, III; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

The Shepherd family is profoundly thankful for the loving care so selflessly given by all employees and volunteers at Hospice Savannah.

The funeral will be held at St. John's Church in Savannah at 11:00 Monday, June 2nd.
Officiating are the Rev. Gavin G. Dunbar, the Rev. Craig O'Brien, and the Rev. Dr. Jeremy Bergstrom. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following at the Green-Meldrim House. Interment will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances: St. John's Church in Savannah, the Backus Children's Hospital, or Hospice Savannah.

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GUEST BOOK

I just found out that Dr. Shepherd had passed away. I worked in Pediatrics at Memorial from 1976 to 1981, then back to Pediatrics from 1982 to 1998. I can still hear Dr. Shepherd whistling as he walked down the hallway. I remember how he spoke of his wife so lovingly and seeing them together at social functions. He loved his family, his work and his faith was so strong. Since moving to Radiology in 1998, I didn't get to see Dr. Shepherd but I thought of him often and wondered how he was doing. He has joined his wife now, and he rests in the arms of our mighty God. God bless you, Dr. Shepherd. You will be missed by so many. Sending love and prayers to your family. Miriam

- Cribbs, Savannah, GA

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Shepherd, our cherished pediatrician. We are blessed to that he took care of our three children until they outgrew pediatrics. He had such a special way to calm, not only crying babies and children, but anxious parents, as well. He quickly calmed our fears with his confident demeanor. It was easy to tell that he had a Christ relationship, which meant so much to our family. We always felt that no matter what, with Dr. Shepherd in our corner, all would be ok. Our family relocated to Columbia, S.C. shortly after the birth of our second child. As silly as it may seem, we made the trip to Savannah for our monthly visits with him. We couldn't even think of anyone else taking care of our children. We permanently relocated back to Savannah at the end of that year.Although he had so many patients, he made us feel as though we were the only ones. We are thankful for this sweet man. God bless your family.

- Kenn and Kathy Watson, Savannah, GA

We express our sincere condolences. Both as a physician for our children and as a friend we valued the relationships.

- Peggy and Stanley Harris, Savannah, GA

There are no words to express our sorrow in the passing of this wonderful man. He was so kind and loving. He was always so reassuring with our children and us. Love to hear him sing. After his retirement we would see him at different family and sporting events and he always had time for a catch-up chat. We love you and will miss you so much. I know there is a very special place for you in heaven to have a 'Scotch' with Uncle Billy H.

- Bernie & Angie Foran, Savannah, GA

God Speed on your next journey. Thanks for always keeping my children in your heart and soul.

- Richard Corbett, GRAYSON, GA

Sandy & Janet, We were so sorry to read about the death of your Father.He took care of our Children.And they loved him.I was the Head Nurse in the Nursery at Candler Hospital for over 30 years.He was a great Doctor. In Christain Love, Cornell & Camille Mock

- Camille & Cornell Mock, Springfield, GA

With deepest sympathy to the Shepherd family for the loss of your dear loved one. Death was not a part of Jehovah God's purpose. Therefore, during this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to 'swallow up death forever and to wipe away the tears from all faces.'Isaiah 25:8.

- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA

Dear Sandy, Melanie and Edwin, We are so sorry for your loss, but rejoice that Dr. Shepherd is with his Lord. Our prayers are with you.

- Michael, Lynn, David and Rebecca Wright, Savannah, GA

Dr Shepherd was truly a gift to our family as we were growing up. As a family with nine children, when we got sick as a group, he insisted on making house calls to make it easier on Mom! And his singing really worked. Our greatest sympathy for your loss.

- Patrick Lyons, SAV, GA

So many fond memories of Dr. Shepherd. He had such a special voice. I can hear him humming and singing now. He was also my pediatrician. I can also remember the Disney cartoons painted on the walls in each of the patients room. He had the best nurse also, named Lizzie. I always wished he would still be practicing when I had children. R.I.P Dr Shepherd. You are one of the greatest to come around. He touched so many kids lives. Sandy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers .

- Martha Turner Watson, Savannah, GA