Fred Curtis Shepherd, the cherished former football coach of Churchill High School, passed away on September 5, 2025, at Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
He was 87 years old and had faced a brief illness with courage.
The news of Fred Shepherd’s death sent waves of sorrow through the communities he touched, but his legacy as a coach, husband, father, and “Papa” will live on in the hearts of many.
Born on September 21, 1937, to Paul and Bessie Shepherd in Gibsonville, North Carolina, Fred grew up with strong family values.
He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Lewis Shepherd, in 1959, and their 66-year marriage was a testament to their enduring love and unbreakable bond.
The couple was rarely apart, sharing a love that inspired those around them.
Their daughter, Leigh Anne Shepherd Stewart, was the pride of their lives, and Fred’s devotion to his family only grew stronger with the arrival of his grandchildren, Kyndal and Parker.
Fred’s love for his grandchildren earned him the title of “Papa,” which he cherished above all else.
He never missed their sporting events, award ceremonies, or recitals, always cheering them on with pride.
His warmth and support made him a beloved figure in their lives, and his grandchildren adored him.
Fred spent his professional life working at Carolina Tractor & Equipment, but his true passion was coaching football at Churchill High School in Maryland during the 1960s and 1970s.
His influence on the field and in the lives of his players was profound, shaping young men with lessons of leadership, perseverance, and kindness.
Fred Shepherd’s Impact as a Coach at Churchill High School Went Far Beyond the Football Field
Former players and community members have shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the man who guided them through their formative years.
Jim Mashek, a former player from the class of 1973, recalled a moment after a tough 13-7 loss to Gaithersburg.
Mashek wrote on September 10, 2025.
“Mr. Shepherd is one of the finest men I’ve ever known, He’s consoling me after a tough game in this photo. He will be missed.”
Via Facebook
Ken Harris, another former player, described Fred as “a great leader of men” who taught him about life, hard work, and perseverance.
Harris shared,
“Next to my father, he had the greatest influence on me as a coach and as a human being, I owe much of my life’s success to his stewardship during some wonderful years.”
Via Facebook
JerrySusie Wade, who knew Fred during their time at Churchill, remembered him as an adult friend who understood them when others didn’t.
Wade Wrote:
“He made me feel validated in a school that failed me, He was kind and supportive, helping me in a way that taught me I was needed and smart in my own ways.”
Via Facebook
Even those who weren’t athletes felt the impact of Fred. Kim McGee Reaser, a student in the mid-1960s, shared a story of reuniting with Fred in 1972 after returning from the Vietnam War.
When Fred remarked that the Air Force had “made a man out of him,” Reaser replied, “You gave them a good head start.”
These stories paint a picture of a man who saw potential in everyone and took the time to make them feel valued.
Karen Gooen, a community member, called Fred “a legend, setting a standard for excellence that brought pride to our community.” His ability to inspire and uplift left a lasting legacy at Churchill High School and beyond.
Fred had a knack for fixing things, whether it was a broken machine or a person’s spirits.
He loved repairing anything that needed mending, always finding a way to make it work. His sense of humor and caring nature brought laughter and comfort to those around him.
Fred’s happy place was the beach, and for the last seven years of his life, he lived in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.
The ocean had always been a second home for him, a place where he made countless memories with his family over the years.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bessie Shepherd, and his sister, Belva Jean Nance.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Leigh Anne Stewart, and her husband, Rich, as well as his grandchildren, Kyndal Stewart Davis (married to Michael) and Parker Stewart.
He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Dixon, a niece, and many nephews.
His daughter, Leigh Anne, shared a touching tribute: “My Papa, my best friend. Forever thankful for you.” Her words capture the deep love and connection Fred shared with his family.
Fred’s family has asked that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society to support research into Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, a cause close to their hearts.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Apples Chapel Christian Church in Gibsonville, North Carolina.
Visitation will begin one hour before the service, and interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Fred Shepherd’s death marks the end of an era for those who knew him, but his influence will endure.
He was more than a coach or a family man—he was a beacon of kindness, strength, and wisdom.
Whether he was leading his team to victory, fixing a broken tool, or cheering for his grandchildren, Fred lived with purpose and love.
His memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Rest in peace, Coach Shepherd. Your legacy lives on.
