Marvin "Shepp" Sheppeard

Marvin was the most welcoming person I have ever known, and I know many of you would agree. He never met a person he did not try to connect with. Marvin had a big heart and gave it to all. If there was a need, Marvin made every attempt to fill it.

Marvin was born on March 7, 1964, in Westbury, a small village found in the town of North Hempstead, NY. He was the second child of Jimmie Lee Mack and Betty Sheppeard. His sister and brothers are Valarie (Val) Mack, Jeffrey (Jeff) Sheppeard (wife Pearl Sheppeard), and Alfred (Nort) Mack.

His childhood was filled with the kinds of adventures many children experience in the concrete jungle known as New York City. Early in life, Marvin spent time fishing in the local pond at Baisley Park, riding bikes that he built from scratch, delivering newspapers, and working as an apprentice at the nearby gas station that doubled as an auto repair shop. As early as age 10, Marvin showed an interest in working on cars. That love for cars—every aspect of them—continued throughout his life.

As an adult, Marvin fancied himself an avid griller. At the request of his grandsons, he often found himself frying turkeys, grilling ribs and chickens, and experimenting with the smoker. After lots of practice, he mastered the art of smoking a turkey—no longer would it sit on anybody’s table wearing a leather jacket.

Marvin attended Apex Technical Automotive School for Mechanics in Manhattan, New York. He spent most of his career at Lexus dealerships in various roles. Marvin originally joined Lexus as an auto technician. In the years to follow, he ventured out to become an entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses. Shepp’s Towing is Marvin’s most recognized business to date. At the time of his passing, he continued to successfully run his businesses. Marvin worked tirelessly to ensure his businesses were successful—and they most certainly were.

Marvin and his lifelong friend Valerie (Tina) Jones are the parents of their only son, Maurice Isaiah Sheppeard.

Marvin leaves behind his loving mother, Betty Hamilton; his son, Maurice Sheppeard; and his grandsons: Messiah (June Bug) Sheppeard, Elijah (Knot Head) Sheppeard, and Jeremiah (Baby Boy) Sheppeard. He is also survived by his three siblings and his nieces and nephews: Dawn Foster, Jeffery Ricketts, Keiosha (Bones) Mack, Kamren Mack, Zena Pruiett, David (Azaia) Sheppeard, Alexis Mack, Lennox (“Babygirl”) Mack; and a multitude of extended family and friends.

Marvin is preceded in death by his grandparents, Willie Joe (Buster) Sheppeard and Cora Lee Sheppeard, and by his father, Jimmie Lee Mack.

The world is a sadder place without Marvin in our lives. But Marvin touched each and every one of us and has left us with memories we will cherish forever. Thank you.