Born January 1,1972 in Atlanta, Georgia, Gary Vernard "Shep" Sheppard received his angel wings on April 17, 2013. He was 41.

Gary attended Atlanta Public Schools and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1990. He went on to attend Grambling State University, where he was a member of the GSU Tiger baseball team. In 2001, he married Kedria Sheppard in Atlanta. To this union Gary Elijah was born. Gary also cared for and fathered Kiera, Ms. Sheppard’s daughter from a previous relationship.

 Since 1993, Gary worked at The Bosch Corporation and was a longtime supervisor who was loved and respected by all. For over 25 years, Gary also managed a successful family-owned concession business at The Omni, Lakewood Amphitheater and Phillips Arena. As member/Chairman of the Happy Valley Foundation Inc., which was founded by Charles and Dollie Hester, Gary was instrumental in helping over 1,500 Atlanta-area youth gain valuable work experience.

 Lovingly called "Mann" by his family, Gary was indeed a man who led by example. A devoted father, son and brother, he was baptized at Mount Calvary Baptist Church and received Christ at an early age. Gary exuded confidence but was never pretentious. Loyal, honest and protective, his youthful charm and infectious smile will forever remain his hallmarks.

 Standing 6’2, Gary was a multi-sport athlete (as quarterback his high school football team went undefeated.) However, his true passion was for the game of baseball. Having played from little league through adulthood, including at Cascade and John A. White Park, Gary was a serious competitor who was driven to be the best. Most recently he was a member of the Atlanta Mets, the premier semi- pro baseball team in the Atlanta MSBL league. As an outfielder and first baseman, Gary proudly wore the #42, and helped the Mets win back-to-back league championships in 2011 and 2012. Together, they enjoyed a brotherly bond both on and off the field built on mutual respect and a genuine love for the game. Prior to the Mets, he played for the X-Giants, which included several of his current teammates.

 Though tall in stature, Gary was a gentle soul. Known for his kind demeanor and quick wit, he never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to put others at ease. From CEOs and celebrities to just "regular folk," he was consistently true to his core – a cheerful "What’s good folk?" meant you were truly on his team.

 Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents Sally and Henderson Daniels; Calvin and Myrtis Alsobrook; his uncle, Charles Hester, and his cousin, Victoria Paulette Alsobrook.

 He leaves to cherish his memory Kedria Sheppard (divorced), children Gary Elijah Sheppard and Kiera Hicks; His parents Deborah and Ronald Alsobrook and four siblings LaRhonda Alsobrook, Tanika Alsobrook, Sheri Alsobrook and Kristin Alsobrook all of Atlanta. He is also survived by aunts and uncles Dollie Hester (Charles; dec.), James Walker (Geraldine), Victor Alsobrook, Walter Alsobrook (Sheila), Lynda Alsobrook, Donald Alsobrook, Deidre Warthen (Jeffery) and Oliver Alsobrook (Tamekia) of Atlanta and Douglas Alsobrook (Julie) of San Diego, CA; as well as his companion Kim Andrews of Marietta, a host of other relatives, friends, colleagues and teammates.