Sidney B. Shepherd

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Mr. Sidney B. Shepherd, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro.

Funeral services will be conducted, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Swainsboro First Baptist Church.  

Interment will follow in the Swainsboro City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and visitors one hour prior to service at the Swainsboro First Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Mercer Gary, Michael Gary, Patrick Gary, Evans Hooks, Kendall Gross and Zac Frye.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Staff of Shepherd, Gary and McWhorter Law Office, Members of Swainsboro Bar Association, Officers, Directors and Employees of Citizens bank of Swainsboro, Members of the Jimmy Morgan Sunday School Class of Swainsboro First Baptist Church, David and Maryann Beecher, Mary Foskey, Pete Boatright, Patricia Ragsdale, and Peggy Key.

Sidney Blanton Shepherd, Sr. was born January 16, 1935 in Elizabeth City, NC.  His family moved to Savannah, GA in 1940 where he attended school and graduated from Savannah High in 1952. He attended Armstrong Junior College before transferring to the University of Georgia “Go DAWGS” graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957.  While at UGA, he met and married the love of his life, Jane.  Sidney always said he went to UGA to get a wife and Emory University Law School to get his law degree. Admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in April 1960, he actively practiced law until the end of his life. He served as Deputy Legislative Counsel to the Georgia Legislature before moving to Swainsboro in November, 1961 to join the law firm of Williams & Smith, founded in 1890, currently known as Shepherd, Gary & McWhorter, LLC. Sidney loved and considered it a privilege to serve this community in many ways over the years. At First Baptist Church of Swainsboro, he was in the same Sunday School class for 50 years, served on the Board of Deacons and taught Sunday School.  Studying scripture and teaching about what he gained personally from the Lord was a sweet spot for him. He served as City Attorney for the City of Swainsboro from 1961- January, 2022; Judge of the City of Swainsboro Recorder’s Court; Chairman of the Committee on Committees for the Georgia State Bar Association; Past President of Swainsboro Bankshares, Inc., (owner of the Citizens Bank of Swainsboro/Laurens County and Bulloch First); Board of Directors David Emanuel Academy (1969-1984); Grantor for Mill Creek Foundation, Inc.; Trustee for Southeastern Technical College Foundation; Past President of the Swainsboro Jaycee Chapter; Shriner. During his career, Sidney held memberships in the American Trial Lawyers Association, State Bar of Georgia, Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, State Disciplinary Board Review Panel for the State Bar of Georgia, Board of Directors of the Citizens Bank of Swainsboro.  He was humbled when, shortly after losing his wife, he was awarded “Our Town Hero” for the City of Swainsboro in 2012 and for being voted Best Lawyer in this community several times. Anyone who knew Sidney understood that he was an avid Bulldawg fan.  Fall Saturdays in Athens were among his favorite pastimes.  He once calculated the number of ballgames he attended exceeded 250. Spending time with his family or friends in the north Georgia mountains, visiting with extended family and friends everywhere, hosting parties with Jane and serving his clients were what he enjoyed most in life.   Most people would describe Sidney as a person of deep faith and integrity, dedication, loyalty, and strength.  He was also a Dang Good DAWG!

Sidney was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Jane G. Shepherd and his son, Joseph B. Shepherd, Sr.  Survivors include his son Sidney B. Shepherd, Jr., daughter Kelly S. Lanier (Corky); grandsons Sidney B. Shepherd, III (Lisa); Christopher R. Shepherd (Kira); Joseph B. Shepherd, Jr. ; Zachary T. Shepherd (Lorie); great-grandchildren, Cierra M. Shepherd, Halle R. Shepherd, Maddox R. Shepherd and Hayes Blanton Shepherd; nieces Fran S. NeeSmith (Jess) and Dene Shepherd; special cousins and many friends.  A blessed man indeed. 

The Shepherd family would like to extend gratitude to Dr. Vijitha Prasad, her staff and the nursing staff of Emanuel Medical Center for the compassionate care Sidney received over his life and in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 782, Swainsboro, GA 30401, David Emanuel Academy, 602 N. Fourth Street, Stillmore, GA 30464 or Shriners Children's Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607.

Condolences may be submitted online at www.durden-hudsonfuneraldirectors.com

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Sidney B. Shepherd of Swainsboro, GA.

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