Steven Ray Shepherd

June 30, 1952 - December 02, 2020

Obituary For Steven Ray Shepherd

Steven Ray Shepherd June 30th, 1952 - December 2nd, 2020 Steven Ray Shepherd died suddenly and unexpectedly on December 2, 2020. Steve was born and raised in Fairfield, Iowa, the fourth child of Barney and Mary (Shepherd). He spoke of how lucky he was growing up in small-town Iowa and what lasting memories he had of Fairfield. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1970 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s degree in Business Administration-Finance from the University of Iowa.

Steve married Georgia Moffett Roberts on May 21,1977 during the height of the 70’s wedding fashion, and the pictures remain to prove it. He spent his banking career in Iowa; Des Moines, Camanche, Newton, and Cedar Rapids. He retired in 2017 and had recently moved to Cary, North Carolina, to be closer to his daughter, her husband, and his newest grandson. Steve loved bicycling ~ did several Ragbrai’s, golfing, walking, had an adventurous spirit for travel, and in recent years became an avid pickleball player. He and Georgia did many of these activities together and loved their pets. Steve was a kind and gentle man. He loved being a father and grandfather with his youthful enthusiasm and the pure joy that he exuded. Steve was an incredibly loving father who will be missed exponentially with each passing day. His dry wit, subtle jabs, and infectious laugh will never be forgotten. His life was filled with a multitude of great friends, good times including yearly trips to the Hunt Cabin-Okoboji with ‘the Guys’ and more recently enjoyed “Zoom cocktail parties’” to keep in touch with his lifelong friends and family, “A Life Well Lived.” Steve’s life was centered around his family and the incredible friendships that he created throughout his life. Steve earned the friendship and respect of his many business associates and clients. He was a man of integrity and little ego who did not work or live personally for accolades but delighted in others’ success. Steve is survived by his wife, Georgia; sons, Jim Roberts (Lisa) of Iowa City, IA, and Jay Roberts (Amy) of Seattle, WA; and daughter, Susan Shepherd Hayek (Michael) of Durham, NC; and 3 grandchildren: Edan, Kiera and Carter. Also surviving, brother, Tom Shepherd (Karen) of Kirkland, WA; sister, Donna (Fulton) Adams of Columbia, MO; and many nieces and nephews who always enjoyed visiting with “Uncle Steve.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren (Barney) and Mary Shepherd; sister, Pat Shepherd Woodard and nephew, Mitchell Shepherd. Arrangements are being handled by Renaissance Funeral Home of Raleigh, NC. A virtual celebration of life will occur to remember all of the incredible moments that Steve helped create. Steve valued many things in life, including the mentorship of others. A GoFundMe page has been created Steven R Shepherd’s Memorial Fund that will be distributed to organizations that were important to him and where he volunteered throughout his life. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to this fund so we can continues Steve’s legacy.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

December 20, 2020

Gary Harrison

Shocked & saddened to learn of Steve's passing. Steve & I had many 'adventures' during our school years. Many memories....
December 14, 2020

Angie Turner

I was very sad to hear of Steve's passing. What a kind and caring man. Steve was instrumental in helping me build the Pickleball program and was always willing to help teach new pickleball players how to play here at the NW Recreation Center. Always a smile on his face. He will truly be missed. Angie Turner
December 10, 2020

Sue Olson

Steve's manner was gentle and friendly at pickleball which is where I knew him best. Always gracious, welcoming, and helpful on the court. Loved the twinkle in his eye as well. My heart and most sincere sympathy to all his family.
December 10, 2020

Ruth Pederson

While shocked, and saddened to hear of Steve's passing, he will always be remembered as a great co worker, and friend. Steve always made others feel comfortable in his presence. Our deepest condolences to Georgia and family. -Ruth & Tom Pederson
December 10, 2020

David Sorenson

I worked with Steve at Hawkeye Bank in the 1990s, He was a empathetic guy with no temper at all. I remember him as a kind man.
December 09, 2020

Ron Olson

I met Steve over 25 years ago when he was a loan officer for the then Mercantile Bank in Cedar Rapids. He always wore the same smile we see in this picture. We then both shared membership in the Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary Club. In retirement our friendship continued as Steve invited me and my wife to play pickleball with a morning group at the NW Rec Center in Cedar Rapids. A nicer person you will never meet. Steve will be missed.
December 09, 2020

Laurie Butler

Georgia, we were so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I worked with him for several years at Collins Community Credit Union. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 07, 2020

Tom Pardonek

I met Steve at the pickleball matches in Cedar Rapids at the NW Rec Center a few years ago. He always looked out for the new and less skillful players. He could always identify your pickleball playing weakness and hit the ball where you couldn't return it. He was a tough out. Rarely was I on the winning side when he was the opponent. Steve was a gracious, humble and skillful competitor.
December 07, 2020

Julie Simons

What a wonderful man, there are no words, one of the best ever. Georgia and family know we are thinking of you and truly hoping your memories last forever. He was one very kind, caring and genuine man that is sorely missed.
December 07, 2020

Carol

Steve was my old boss at Jasper County Savings Bank. He hired me for the mortgage loan dept. I enjoyed working for him and we were a good team. I have many recollections, but one was that he always believed that everyone deserved a chance to make it. "I'd loan any business $10,000 to give them a start." Is what he told me. Another time was when we had our baby girls less than 24 hrs apart... the markee said "Congratulations on your baby girls Carol and Steve. While Georgia & I were in the hospital, Customers were congratulating Steve on his twins! I guess he got a real chuckle out of that. We worked hard and had a lot of fun so many memories came flooding back! My sincere condolences to Georgia, Susan and family
December 07, 2020

Pete Larson

No better neighbors did we ever have than Steve and Georgia. Steve was always there to share a tool, a story, a helping hand, an e-mail from brother Tom, or a beer (and he always provided it!). Boy, oh boy, did he love blowing the Iowa snow out of the end of driveways for all the other neighbors! He loved his wife, kids, cats, dogs, and all the neighbors too. As a dog lover, he was so attached to Peppa and Gunther, annd certainly all that came before them. Thank you for the great picture and loving obituary. A picture is worth a thousand words. This picture says all one needs to know about Steve. What a wonderful neighbor and friend he was. We shall miss him but always have a happy thought about him. Our deepest sympathies to Georgia and the rest of his family. May you rest in peace, our dear friend and neighbor.
December 07, 2020

Tom Shepherd

Not only was he my brother, he was my best friend. I'm gonna miss him dearly.
December 07, 2020

Scott Immerfall

I enjoyed playing Pickleball with Steve. He was a great guy and fun to be around. He will be missed.