The Rev. Wendell Cornelius Shepherd of Ooltewah , TN passed away peacefully in his home on November 30, 2020. He was born on Nov 1st, 1927 in Lafollette, TN to John and Stella Shepherd. He served in the United States Army during WWII. Wendell was a graduate of The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to teach English at the high school level in his hometown of Lafollette, TN. He later received two master’s degrees in theology from Drew Theological School and New York Theological Seminary, leading to a long career serving others as a Methodist pastor in both Tennessee and New York. After 40 years leading congregations in Katonah United Methodist Church in Katonah, NY and Ardsley United Methodist Church in Ardsley, NY. Wendell and his wife Genevieve retired in Dandridge, Tennessee in 1993. They moved to the Ooltewah, TN area in 2017 to be closer to family.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, John and Stella Shepherd; brothers, Dausie Shepherd, Albert Shepherd, Floyd Shepherd, Earl Shepherd, John Shepherd, Conley Shepherd and Tom Shepherd; sister, Lena Shepherd; and son-in-law, Edward Gadonniex.

Surviving are his wife of 74 years Genevieve Shepherd; daughters, Wendy Shepherd and Pamela Gadonniex; sons, Stuart (Jessie) Shepherd, Phillip (Natalie) Shepherd, and Scott (Tara) Shepherd; grandchildren, Court (Melissa) Gadonniex, Heather (Gwynn Hoskins) Gadonniex, Andrew Shepherd, Ashley Shepherd, and Brittany Shepherd; and great grandchildren, Aiden Gadonniex, Declan Gadonniex, and Leighton Hoskins. He is also survived by his sister, Cora Cox, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services and Interment 1 PM Sunday at Grantsboro Cemetery with his nephew John David Shepherd officiating.

Online condolences may be given at www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

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