Mr. Franklin D. "Frank" Shepard

Mr. Franklin D. “Frank” Shepard, 87, of Americus, GA, and formerly of Thomaston, died Saturday, April 17, 2021, at his residence. Funeral services for Mr. Shepard will be held on Tuesday, April 20, at 11:30 AM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Rev. Michael Truitt and Rev. Travis Graham will officiate, and interment will follow in South View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:30 until the funeral hour. Those attending are asked to wear masks. Mr. Shepard was born on July 10, 1933, in Lanette, AL, to the late Jim Shepard and Linnie Thompson Shepard. He was a 1952 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute, and he served his country in the U. S. Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to Thomaston, Mr. Shepard became a salesman for the B. F. Goodrich Retail Store, and he later became manager of AVCO Finance Company. Mr. Shepard was retired from West Central Georgia Bank where he was employed for twenty-eight years having served as Vice President and Branch Manager of the downtown office. He helped many customers secure their first loan. Mr. Shepard was an active member of the Thomaston Lions Club where he served as Past President and was on the Sight Conservation Committee and helped many people get eyeglasses. Mr. Shepard was a member of the Valley Grove Baptist Church where he served in many positions; he served for many years on the Benevolence Committee, and he was a Deacon for sixty-seven years. In addition to his parents, Mr. Shepard was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Brian Pacatte; two sisters: Ruby Brown and Elma Harbin; and three brothers: James Shepard, Aubrey Shepard, and Thomas Shepard. Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Laverne Fallin Shepard of Americus; a daughter, Lisa (Rev. Michael) Truitt of Americus; four grandchildren: Jade (Scott) Spratling, Phillip (Lindsey) Ellerbee, Jason (Michelle) Truitt, and Lauren (Ryan) Lacy; a brother, Alfred (Dot) Shepard of Warner Robins; and 9 great grandchildren: Megan and Ella Spratling; Charis, Gray, and Millie Ellerbee; River and Riggins Truitt; and Rylin and Lainey Lacy. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Valley Grove Baptist Church, 1372 Atwater Road, Thomaston, GA 30286. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.