Bryant C. Shepherd

Bryant Clay Shepherd died on April 24, 2026, in Cocoa, FL. Born on November 8, 1953, in Anderson, IN, he was the eldest son of Charles R. Shepherd and Mildred (Jackson) Shepherd. They both preceded him in death.

Bryant was a graduate of Anderson High School. He was active in the band and scouting, earning the distinction of Eagle Scout.

Bryant received an Associate in Science degree from Vincennes University in Vincennes, IN, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology degree from Southern Oregon State College. Before joining the United States Air Force, Bryant was employed as a ranger at Camp Belzer in Indianapolis, IN, as a wrangler at Wit’s End Guest Ranch in Bayfield, CO, and in the shipping/receiving department of Delco Remy Division of General Motors Corporation in Anderson, IN.

During his nearly six years in the USAF, Bryant served as a security supervisor. Upon being honorably discharged, Bryant began a multi-decade career working as security personnel at Cape Canaveral in Florida. He retired from this role in September, 2025. Throughout his life, Bryant was driven by a sense of duty. He spent all of his adult life working to keep people safe.

Bryant thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with his brothers and their families who reside in the Midwest. Even though he lived many miles away from the rest of the family, he was always anxious to hear what was happening with his nephew and nieces. The distance never kept him away from significant milestones. More recently, Bryant loved getting to know his great niece and great nephew.

Bryant’s pastimes included spending time outdoors: canoeing, camping, and fishing. Bryant loved watching movies, particularly science fiction. It is fitting, given his work, that he loved everything to do with the space program and never got tired of witnessing a launch.

Bryant is survived by his brothers, Stuart Shepherd (Michelle) of Rochester, MI, and Thomas Shepherd (Allyson) of Shorewood, IL; his nephew Matthew Shepherd (Wendy Contreras), and nieces Alexa Shepherd (Ahsan Mir) and Paige Shepherd; and his great niece, Camila Shepherd, and great nephew, Nico Shepherd.

A graveside service will be held at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery in Anderson, IN, at 10:00 EDT on Saturday, May 23, 2026.