Kyle Stephen Sheppard, beloved son of James and the late Julia Sheppard, and brother of AJ Sheppard, died on July 1 at the age of 29 after a long illness.
He passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family. Without question, he has now entered into the welcoming embrace of his Mother, who he adored more than anyone. Kyle was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Born on October 18, 1996 in Silver Spring MD, Kyle spent his first several years in Maryland and Ohio, playing outside, riding his bike, enjoying family trips to the Jersey Shore and Myrtle Beach, and spending countless hours with his younger brother and many cousins. He eventually came to consider Chesapeake VA his hometown and the friendships he made there lasted throughout his much too short life. He had an easy way of connecting with others and brought warmth, laughter, and authenticity into every interaction he had.
Kyle had a deep passion for sports, especially horse racing, soccer, and football, each of which played a meaningful role in his life. He was a devoted fan of Manchester United Football Club, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cleveland Browns, following each team with enthusiasm and loyalty. Whether watching a game, talking about (or, perhaps, placing a small wager on) a game, or sharing that excitement with others, those moments brought him genuine joy.
Music was another constant in his life, and he enjoyed going to concerts and listening to traditional and modern country as well as more eclectic genres such as “Midwest Jangle Pop,” which he vehemently denied making up.
To his parents, Kyle was everything a son could be—loving, thoughtful, and full of life. He discovered his most prized role late in his life, however, that of being a devoted Uncle to his nephew, Michael. Uncle Kyle will always be remembered as a fun loving, generous spirit to little Michael.
Kyle is survived by his father, brother, and nephew, along with his paternal grandparents, George and Kathleen Sheppard, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins, both blood related and chosen family, who will continue to carry his memory forward with love.
He was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Julia, maternal grandmother Anita Louise Richardson, and cousin Joey Consorti.
