Ernest J. Shepherd – age 97 of Knoxville, TN, passed away on March 21, 2021. Ernest, one of 12 children, was born on February 10, 1924, to Whit and Florence Shepherd in Campbell County, Tennessee. He was drafted into the Army during WWII at the age of 19. He was a medic and helped care for the wounded from the Normandy Invasion. He was later transferred to the front lines with the 90th Infantry Division.
Ernest accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior early in life. He was a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church for 71 years. Ernest was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents and his 11 siblings. He will always be remembered with love by his wife of 72 years, Armistine (Butcher) Shepherd; daughter, Susan Horne; son, David (Tracy) Shepherd; grand-daughters, Allison (Josh) Kerr and Kelsey (Michael) Mersing; great grand-daughter, Savannah Kerr, and a host of friends, nieces, and nephews, and extended family.
Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, March 25th at Ridgeview Baptist Church with service to follow. Rev. Zach McGill and Rev. Randy Shepherd will be officiating. Masks are welcomed. Family and friends will meet Friday, March 26th at Greenwood Cemetery on Tazewell Pike at 2:45 pm for a 3 pm interment. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ridgeview Baptist Church, 6125 Lacy Road, Knoxville, TN 37912. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.
Weaver Funeral Home
5815 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37921
