George and I are were members of a unique 2 member's club as we both married a Bernzen daughter (Joanie and Janie). That placed us in the most unique position of being loved by the sisters while being seriously disliked by the in-laws. George supported me in that club, without his smile and smooth southern charm, I would have gone even more nuts.
Speaking of "southern charm", that is the way I would describe George to someone that hadn't had the pleasure of meeting my brother-in-law. To this mid-western/Colorado boy/man, George was the best example of Southern Charm, he was classy, smooth, genuine, giving and really smart. He did talk kind of funny but in a nice southern way.
Hey George...as if you didn't already know Janie and I love Adam and Eric "your wonderful boys" and their expanding families and will support them as much as we can during your absence. We promise to celebrate their many successes to come. God Bless! Greg and Jane Hopkins  

Adam, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. A tremendous loss for many. You are in my thoughts and prayers, brother.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about Pops on this website, seeing the pictures of him and his sons, and hearing your stories about him in the video. Adam, his legacy is written all over your life. We are indeed blessed to have fathers who love us, wanted to be part of our lives, wanted to see us grow, and encouraged us to live our best life.

I remember that Pops would even show up to some of the JV basketball games at Southeast Raleigh High, and I remember he would give me tips and would praise me after the game for something I did well. That was pretty special to me, especially consider you were playing on the varsity squad at the time. Pops made me feel important, and inspired me to do better. I would like to remember that as my son and daughter plays sports, so I can be that way for their friends and teammates.

With that said, cheers to our dads, to our friendship, and to our families and future families!

George Shepard was one of my longest best and closest friends over a lifetime. I met George on the very first day and evening of Freshman Orientation at UNC in 1958 and we did a number of things together throughout the next four years. I visited with George at Fort Bragg on the day before he left for Vietnam in October of 1967. I was disheartened but finally did get called up after Tet in February 1968 and surprisingly met George outside the PX in Pleiku in II Corps RVN in March or April of 1968. He invited me out to his small camp on the Cambodian border the next Sunday. He was late and came to pick me up sometime after sunset in a Jeep with slit headlights. Then we drove on a dirt track 15 miles in the black of night out to enjoy perhaps the worst pizza but also perhaps the best pizza I have ever had. Driving down the track, George said softly “ don’t worry, this is my country!” I didn’t worry, it was easy to like George Shepard.

Respectfully,
Surry Roberts

It's sad to hear the news. A great person. Your memory will live on. Farewell, my friend!

I didn't know where to begin in typing a tribute for George... with his absence, it only reopened the wound that I had hope would heal from dad's passing. So every time I started, I would begin to cry.

My earliest memories of George, Adam, Erik and Joanie started when I was about 5...even though he literally knew me since birth. We spent many childhood Christmas' with George's family. They would come down, buy our family KFC dinners, bring boxes full of gifts and just spend the night exchanging stories and laughs. He would always entertain me by playing with my stuffed animals, entertain my 100's of questions and laugh at my childish tantrums.

As we grew older, George always kept in touch with our family, even when hey moved states away. We were the greatest of friends. Our parents would talk for hooouurrrsss while we played.

My childhood memories are filled with George's presence and love so it hurts that he is no longer with us.

When we lost our dad, George made sure we had everything we needed because we were his extended family. He hurt like he lost his best friend.

I am so thankful for George's kindness and love. Life in the states would not have been possible had it not been for him. I am so sad you are no longer with us, to watch or guide us in the next stages of life, but I am so glad to have had the opportunity for you to be my second dad. Right now, I imagine you and dad are watching over us with prideful smiles on your faces knowing that we all will be okay.

Love and peace to the family.

I met George when I arrived in Pleiku, South Vietnam, with the brilliant timing of being just a few days before the 1968 Tet offensive by the Viet Cong. Our tiny band of six or so CORDS civilians (non-military branch of pacification) civilians all survived, but it was close. During that time and for the ensuing year we worked on our various projects and in the evenings got together -- we all were in the same compound, guarded only by an old man with a wispy beard who went home after dark. From this experience I learned that George was fearless but sensible, quick to learn and apply that experience to daily life, a keen judge of human nature, fun company and with a keen sense of humor, 
critical of US policy mistakes but always loyal, and a stalwart of our little band. We all were the better for knowing him. 

Rather not leave my name, but an anecdote from George's time as an undergraduate that I will never forget:

George went duck hunting with some ATO brothers down in Maddamaskeet on the Carolina coast one weekend. George left the duck blind to void his bowels off in the distance, and as he was walking back, he turned around, took aim, and blasted the steaming pile with his shotgun.

The brothers said, "George, what the...?"

And George grinned and said, "Just shootin' the shit."

I did not know George Shepard well, but I do feel fortunate to have a connection with the Shepard family. If you have ever heard George's son Adam speak about the type of father George was, you'd be remiss not to think about your own father, or your own son. One of my goals as a father is to support my son in the ways that George Shepard supported Adam. If I do that, if every father did that, this world would be a better place. Thank you George.
-Justin 

“Hey Oh No!” Not sure how I got the name, but some of my fondest childhood memories started with this greeting. From swimming at the local YWCA to my very first sand box, your household was there for many of mine’s first. Then there was that one day in Asheboro during the Montagnard celebration when I wore the Duke hat, a moment that brought upon a look of disapproval and stern lecture. I didn’t understand the meaning at that moment, until you explained everything. These are some instances of you taking the time to spend with me. That’s not just friendship. That’s family.

My heart is sad because you’re gone, but I find happiness knowing I had the opportunity to know such an outstanding person. For this, I am thankful. My appreciation for you is indescribable. Along with my dad, your presence brought words of encouragement and a sense of motivation. To do anything. To be challenged. Always.

I’m sure my father has a seat saved for you at the table, waiting with his toothless smile and arms opened wide. Your spirit should find comfort knowing there is a seat saved, amongst family. This thought gives me peace. Love to you, sir. And cheers.

I met George many years ago.
George had a sense of humor like no other. Loved it.
We shared many meals , fun times, adventure stories and just great get together’s.
He was the kindest, brightest, caring and gentlest soul ever.
Our last in person conversation I had the pleasure of telling him what an outstanding man he was and how much I admired about what a kind and caring thing he had done.
We both shed a few tears.
Rest In Peace my friend, I will miss you.

I was too young to remember George but I know how amazing his family is. Anyone that can produce two men such as Adam and Erik must have been one amazing person. I love you all and know he will be missed!

George Shepard was a man of principles. During the 25 short years I shared with him, he provided a stable home and oh so many wonderful adventures! He had a wonderful quick-witted sense of humor.

Early in our marriage we moved to a place at the end of a canyon in SW Colorado called Cabezon Canyon. His plans never materialized during our 15 months there. However, we enjoyed cross country skiing during the time we were there and a five day backpack trip over the Continental Divide with friends who came to visit. The trip ended with a dip in the hot springs near the end of the trail.

Soon we settled in Greensboro, NC where we were blessed with two wonderful baby boys. Not giving up on adventures, we again went backpacking in SW Colorado on a different trail over the Continental Divide. Only this time we had llamas to load while we carried our babies. We were a motley group of five adults, three babies, and two dogs. The mommies and daddies carried the babies, diapers, and baby snacks. It didn't hail one of the days. Adam was nine months old and I was five months pregnant with Erik. This was the most fun trip I ever took in my life, thanks to yet another one of George's adventurous plans❣

A couple of years later, we went skydiving, and as Adam and Erik grew to three and four years old we took them to a favorite spot in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest, Devil's Marble Yard. Adam and Erik carried their own packs with diapers, underwear, and a change of clothes. We did go to other places like Mount Rogers. But over the years we returned to Devil's Marble Yard many times! Adam and Erik returned on their own many times with their friends. Erik proposed to his lovely bride at the top of the mountain after he finished his Marine experience.

We enjoyed all of these experiences because of George's Adventurous Spirit.
And as Adam and Erik began to play sports George was right there to guide them with their skills and sometimes coach their teams.

It was no secret that George Shepard was an adventurer, a loving father, A Remarkable Man whom we all loved to his end. Bless you George. I am going to miss you❣

I very briefly met George in person. Unfortunately, I only really got to know him through his son's stories. But the fact that they wanted me to know their dad is an honor. And I didn't have to know him extensively to know who he was. That information is found within his sons. Their thirst for knowledge and life tells me all I need to know about George Shepard. One day when my own son asks for a new pair of sneakers, I'll let him borrow our lawn mower.

Drahý George,
Toto bolo naše prvé stretnutie. Spojili nás naše deti Adam a Ivana. Uz pri tomto stretnutí som cítila tvoju charizmu a vzajomné sympatie.Bohužial dozvedela som sa, že posledné stretnutie som zmeškala. S láskou budem spomínať na naše soboty s Bingom, na tvoju láskavú tvár a dobré srdce. Navždy zostaneš v mojom srdci. Odpočívaj v pokoji.

Dear George,
This was our first meeting. Our children Adam and Ivana brought us together. Already during this meeting, I felt your charisma and mutual sympathy. Unfortunately, I learned that I missed our last meeting.
I will fondly remember our Saturdays with Bingo, your loving face and good heart. You will remain in my heart forever. Rest in peace.

I knew George as Mr. Shepard, well actually as "Adam's dad." We sat together during many of Adam's basketball games at the Chavis League in Raleigh. I always enjoyed chatting with him during those games because he only wanted to talk about three things: basketball, Adam, and me. He did not feel the need to talk about himself but rather just enjoyed watching the games and listening to me. He knew the game, he knew Adam's game (good and bad) and he was genuinely curious about what I was up to in life as well. He was very kind, soft-spoken and it was always clear that he loved Adam very much. We would have basketball tournaments in Wilmington as well, and sure enough Adam's dad was there too. I always think the best thing a great dad can do is to just show up. Seems simple, but often it is not. Adam's dad definitely showed up!

-Tony Hanson

George and I met on our very first day at UNC and will remain close into eternity. He invited me out to his camp in Vietnam on the border where we had pizza. He came in a Jeep to pick me up at sundown and we drove out ten miles through the jungle for the "best" pizza I've ever had. That was George! I surely miss him!

Cheers,
Surry Roberts

Over our 54 years of friendship, whenever George and I intersected, I knew that it would leave me feeling happier for the encounter.

We first met at the Vietnam Training Center (VTC) in 1967 before shipping out to Vietnam in the CORDS program. which aimed to "win hearts and minds" in the Vietnam War.

Those enrolled at the Center prior to being posted to a CORDS assignment in Vietnam were an interesting mixture of military and civilian personnel. Some of the civilians were pretty young. I was 23 when entered training and George seemed to me wiser and more seasoned at about 27. He had a particular knack for learning from the ex-military in training with us who already had a tour or more under their belts in Vietnam. George got them to enjoy a mentoring role, always armed with his disarming good, ole boy smile and humor.

After the first weeks, the larger group in our class were sent off to postings in Vietnam. George and I and a few others were left to study Vietnamese language for up to ten more months, a prospect which seemed to us then to be interminable and boring.

So we began to cope in the ten-minute breaks between each hour of study with games, especially pitching quarters against the hall walls. George would rope us into playing and would lose a couple of rounds early, but by the end of the day, almost always came up winning, hence his training center code name: "The Flim-Flam Man."

In the autumn of 1967, the U.S. Senate urged the State Department to send refugee experts to south Vietnam to cope with the increasing number of civilians being displaced by the war. George and I were not surprised to be among those first curtailed and sent to Vietnam.

George was sent to work in Pleiku province in the central highlands where the Montagnard peoples were our major allies. This transformed George's life, as he saw the loyal, brave service of the Montagnards often ignored by the U.S. and south Vietnamese military. George developed deep friendships with some Montagnards and with a few dedicated south Vietnamese officials and acted on their behalf with courage and conviction.

But ultimately, we both recognized that senior U.S. civilian and military officials didn't really focus much on the mountain people or other vulnerable civilians and we left Vietnam frustrated about this.

George went on to re-invent himself in many different incarnations, but we always stayed in touch and got closer with age.

He was so proud of his boys Adam and Erik to and so close to Sharon who was there for him right until the end, despite her own major health challenges.

George was a close friend for many years.  We were very compatible and very fond of each other. George was always fun to talk and reminisce together.  I'll miss him dearly.

To know George was to be lucky. Knowing him as well as I got to know him over the past ten years or so, and particularly during the entire final illness, was more like hitting the jackpot. He was as decent and kind a person as anyone I have ever known, and one who simply radiated warmth and love. I will not forget our almost daily face-time talks, our -- not particularly healthy, but certainly delicious -- frequent lunches of barbecued ribs at the Q-Shack (even during the pandemic, because we had our own personal two-man bubble), and our many wonderful discussions. I will always wonder how he tolerated me!

George was a true southern gentleman. A really smart and gentle man who enriched our lives during the more than 9 years that we were able to count him among our best friends. We loved hearing his stories about cowboy days and old Chapel Hill, sharing meals, and watching Tarheel basketball. We are deeply saddened by his death but better for having known him. He was a really good man and everyone liked him. I don’t think there is a better thing that an be said of someone at the end of his life. His was a life well-lived. We will miss him.

I have been blessed to know Pops through my husband’s life long friendship with Adam. Forever hearing stories from Adam and Matt of the exciting life of Pops and the wisdom he shared with the people he loved. He was an amazing father who raised a supreme son. In fact, we named our son Shepard after Adam because he is the type of guy you want to surround yourself with. Pops you will be dearly missed but never forgotten!!

I was sad to hear the news, but my life has been enriched by knowing George. With George, there was no "correct" way to do anything. He advised me to just follow my passion, my own journey per se, and to treat all people with respect. I was and still am proud to call George my friend. He was such a source of peace and strength to me. His encouraging words helped me through some difficult times. Most of all, I have the honor to call Adam, Erik and Ivana my friends. I love and appreciate you guys and grieve with you in your loss.

Most of the time that I knew him, George Shepard was “Pops” to me. From chatting after or during high school basketball games to adult league hoop games to back yard chats on the patio, he was always engaging, welcoming, genuine, and present with a good joke, story, anecdote, or piece of solid advice. I sometimes felt as if he were my own pops. His spirit, sense of adventure, welcoming heart, and proclivity for a little trouble and risk certainly live on in his sons. Pops set a fantastic example of fatherhood and love. I’m thankful to have had an opportunity to know pops and hope to be the type of man he was.

The moment I met George nine years ago, I was instantly drawn to his loving, humble, and somewhat mischievous persona. I quickly learned where my husband Adam gets his wit, and, undoubtedly, the charming looks. My favorite time, while still living in North Carolina, was spent in George and Sharon’s company on a Saturday afternoon discussing recent events, telling stories, and sipping on cheap wine. Anyone who knew George, at one point or another witnessed his genuine support for his family and friends. I recall seeing the father-like pride on George’s face as I walked across the stage when I received my Master’s degree. He loved celebrating your victories, and he always had a piece of wisdom to share when things were not going so great. You are forever in my heart, George Shepard, and there’s no real eloquence to it other than that I will miss you so much.

It's funny that--at 81 years old, just like when he was 55--he was always the first phone call I made with big news or just to chat. Your memory will live on forever, Pops. I will be a dad just like you.