Oather S. "Johnny" Sheppard

Oather S. "Johnny" Sheppard, 61, of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, in Salem. He was born on January 13, 1960, in Richmond, Va., son of the late Oather S. and Laura L. Showalter Sheppard. Prior to retirement, Johnny was a faithful automotive technician, with 30 years of service, with the Virginia Department of Transportation. When not at work, you may have found him, along with his family by his side, riding ATVs in the woods, or possibly even at the beach, when vacating. He had a strong passion for music, but his grandchildren, above anyone and everything, were the light of his existence. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his sister, Spring Martin. Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 39 years, Melody Sheppard; son, Keith Sheppard (Ashley); grandchildren, Kelsey and Mason, all of Salem; sister, Janet Cox, of Christiansburg; brother, Ray Sheppard, of Dublin; and nieces, Angie, Heather, and Melissa. A celebration of Johnnys life will be conducted on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 4 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made in Johnnys memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation National Headquarters, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132. Service Details. Service When Saturday, April 10th, 2021 4:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153