USAF, MSG (Ret) John Phillip Shepherd went home to be with his Father in Heaven, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO with his wife, Viollette by his side. Loved by all who knew him, Phil will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered. Phil was born September 29, 1970 in McComb, MS where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1988. He was a talented trumpet player throughout Junior High School and High School, playing frequent solos for the band. He was honored to hold First and Second Chair throughout high school. After graduation Phil entered the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully until his medical retirement in 2006 after 18 years of service. For his faithful service, he earned numerous awards and commendations. In November 2004, Phil was transferred to Fort Leonard Wood. His final assignment from 2005-2006 was serving as Superintendent of Veh OPS, 366th Squadron Det 7thBrown Hall. While in the military, Phil continued his education and earned his Associate's Degree. On September 10, 2004, Phil was united in marriage to Yolanda Viollette York in San Antonio, TX. They shared over 12 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. After moving to the Fort Leonard Wood area, Phil began attending Hickory Hills Baptist Church. He loved studying his Bible and was currently enrolled with Liberty University to earn his Bachelor's in Theology. Phil returned home to Magnolia in November 2013 being able to go to his childhood church, Bluff Springs Baptist. Despite his illness he made every effort to attend faithfully every Sunday and Wednesday service. Phil is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert Henry and Mary Lee Fleming; maternal grandparents, Wilbur Bill Williams and Minnie Mae Williams; paternal grandparents, Ray and Anita Shepherd; an uncle, Wilbur Larry Williams and a cousin, Ben Williams. Phil leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Viollette Shepherd; his parents, Robert Fleming and Kathy Hughes, Connie and Tommy Shepherd; sister, Jessica Boyd and husband, Chris; nephew, Shawn Vielee; mother-in-law, Yolanda R. York; brother-in-law, Merl York; sister-in-law, Sharon Foster and husband, Joseph and their seven children; two aunts, Charlotte Williams and Kathy Williams; cousins and their spouses, Jason and Tonia Williams and son, Caden, Heather and Lee Fortenberry and children, Colby and Keely, Breanna and Scott Burris; his uncle, Mark Shepherd and wife, Julie and sons, Clay Shepherd and wife Christy, JT Shepherd and wife Lindsay, and Jacob Shepherd; San Antonio parents, Harry Abbott and Robin Dodson; his Missouri Momma, Gloria Thomas; very special friends, Jim Bolton, Ted Hammock and numerous other relatives and friends. Visitation is Saturday at Bluff Springs Baptist Church from 2PM until services at 5PM. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home Summit. Share condolences at catchingsfuneralhome.com