Rev. Gaynor Curtis Shepherd

Reverend Gaynor Curtis "G.C." Shepherd, age 70, of Wilsons, VA, passed into eternal life Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at his home.

G.C. was a retired minister of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church and employee of Joseph McMillian Funeral Home near Blackstone.

He was Past Master of Amelia Lodge #101 A.F. & A.M. and member of the Royal Arch Masons.

G.C. is survived by his wife of 50 years, Geneva Ayers Shepherd; three sons and their wives, Curtis O. Shepherd and Sandi of Blackstone; David M. Shepherd and P.J. of Wilsons; and Reverend Thomas B. Shepherd and Sharon of Stuart, VA; and a daughter and her husband, Deborah S. Barnes and Robbie of Blackstone.

He also is survived by his brothers, Julius (Eleanor) of Roanoke, Calvin (Martha) of Montvale, Ruben (Dee) of South Carolina, Joe of Phenix and Lloyd (Diane) Shepherd of Victoria; his sisters, Hilda Johnson (Joe) of Charlotte C.H., Christaline McCutcheon (Don) of Bedford, Eilene Conner (Wayne) of Montvale, Linda Crouch of Roanoke, Dori Kim (M.J.) of Fredericksburg and Shirley Blanton (Nicky) of Cullen, VA.; eleven grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, at the Crenshaw United Methodist Church, 200 Church St. in Blackstone, and where also a celebration of his life service will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, July 19, 2008. Interment will follow in Grace Methodist Church Cemetery, Hwy 460, in Wilsons, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, Building Fund, c/o Gweneth Procise, 1397 Wilson Rd, Wilsons, VA 23894 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824 is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent through www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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