|
Remembering Admired Mid-South Agricultural Journalist Patrick Shepard
Photo of Patrick Shepard
BRAD ROBB
COLLIERVILLE, TENN.
Mid-South agricultural journalist Patrick Ray Shepard died in the early morning hours of April 30 at his home in Germantown, Tenn., surrounded by his family. He was 67.
Born in Hayti, Mo., Shepard grew up in Caruthersville, Mo., was a 1970 graduate from Caruthersville High School, and earned a B.S. in Political Science in 1976 from Southeast Missouri State University.
Agricultural journalism and a penchant for writing drew him away from a planned law degree after moving to Memphis, Tenn. Shepard’s career spanned over 40 years. He held a variety of editorial positions and contributed to some of the most popular and respected agricultural newspapers and magazines across the region from 1979 until 1997, when he joined Freebarin & Company, an Atlanta, Georgia-based public relations company.
He started his own communications company, Patrick R. Shepard, Inc., in 2004. In 2016, he began publishing the Scouting Report, a weekly e-newsletter containing in-season crop production updates and advice from some of the most recognized and influential crop consultants across the Mid-South. His writing was polished and always provided timely information from which farmers benefited.
Shepard was known for his engaging smile and warm, endearing personality. His subtle humor left everyone he encountered with a smile and lasting memory.
While hospitalized, he was asked why he enjoyed working in agriculture. His response was quick and exact: “These are the sharpest, most educated, hardest-working, problem-solving, Christian group of people you will ever meet. In the time it takes to do one interview, they treat you like family, invite you to their home for supper, and ask you to come back to go hunting.”
Shepard leaves his wife of 45 years, Deborah Bullington Shepard, his son Brett Shepard (Holly), his daughter Jordan Shepard McLaughlin (John), a sister, two brothers and a long list of family and friends that will forever cherish their memories of him.
Memorials may be made in Patrick’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any hospital of your choice that treats cancer patients. ∆
BRAD ROBB: Contributing Writer
|
|