William Smythe Shepherd, Sr.

Thanks to all of you for joining hundreds of other family members and friends who, in person or via contact, have both comforted our grief and helped us to celebrate the full very full life of Smythe Shepherd.

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I know he was a remarkable and special person and you have beautiful memories forever. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Please know you will be in my prayers and on my mind through the next few days and beyond.

Mr. Shepherd didn't eat, he dined. It was a treat to observe from afar at Luby's Cafeteria, and one day I went over and introduced myself to him and the gracious lady who served as companion and chauffeur.

Thereafter, I would head for his favorite table in the far corner and speak to Mr. Shepherd, asking after his health and giving him my best wishes. He never failed to carefully place his cloth napkin beside his plate, shake my hand and with a smile wish me the same.

So dignified he was that I will never forget the time I heard Mr. Shepherd laugh out loud.

One day, he had arrived at Luby's late, and others were seated in his favorite corner. Going through the line, I saw him quietly dining at a smaller table nearby.

Checking out at the register, I approached Mr. Shepherd, leaned over, and indicating the "intruders," whispered: "How dare they take your table!"

His eyes lit up, and that's when he laughed.

It was my great pleasure to know this great man, and my deepest sympathies go out to the family.

What a dear, sweet man! It was a pleasure to know him in the Downtown Beaumont Rotary Club. He was very kind and generous with his praise. He was a true gentleman in the very best sense of the word. I will miss him and I know many others will, too.

Dear Anne and John,

It seemed as though Smythe should simply live forever. The qualities he shared with this world were outstanding and inspiring, yet he was always the gracious gentleman, treating all with the same fairness and regard.

I consider myself blessed to have known him.

Gwen

What a remarkable life he had and he served as an inspiration to so many of us. I can remember him dancing with his Priscilla- a delightful memory.

Ford and Catherine join me in saluting him and sending you our condolences and prayers. Peace be with you all.

Mary Oxford Englander

Ann- I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. What a life he lived ! He was always so nice to me, although we did not know each other well - only thru NRF. Our Jared was the recipient of the Southern Gentleman's Award at Kelly in 1997. What an honor. By best to you and all your family !

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of Mr. Shepherd. He was truly a one of a kind and I enjoyed the time he spent the last few years here in our office. He would come by my desk and tell me "I'm leaving, but I'll be back" as he went down to the bank or to lunch and at the end of his "work day". Thank you for sharing him with us. God bless you all - I know he has a special place in heaven.

Deepest Sympathy extended to the Shepherd family.
Beaumont has lost a fine man who was an asset to the Community.