Ezra (Sonny) J. Shepard

Ezra "Sonny" J. Shepard, 67, of Freetown, NY, passed away at his home on Friday, November 19, 2010, following an extended illness.

Born in Norwich, NY on April 8, 1943 to the late Orville and Evelyn Shatraw Shepard, he worked at McGraw Box Co. for 30 years and also worked at Higgins and Square Deal Machine until his illness in 2002. Sonny enjoyed being around his grandchildren, family and friends. He also enjoyed racing at Skyline Raceway with his friend, Cody Mitchell, and was an avid NASCAR fan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, at home; a son, Bob (Sue) Burke of Cincinnatus; a stepson, Dave (Lisa) Stoll of McGraw; stepdaughters, Danielle Stoll of Millerstown, PA, Jennifer (Tony) Bowman of McDonough, and Carol (Tom) Joseph of Homer. Sonny also leaves behind his grandchildren, Robbie, Ashley, Brad, Chris, Andy, Davey, Joe, Jimmy, Anthony, Deavon, Damien, Tommy, Kylie, and Terryn; a brother, Lloyd (Kathy) Shepard of Marathon; sisters, Stella Rheil of Pitcher, Barbara Jean (Jim Lynch) Hill of Taylor, and Shirley (Dick) Ingraham of E. Homer; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his dear friends for whom he really cared, Cody (Lisa) Mitchell, Bob Hough, Carol Preston and Corinne and Fred (Doreen) Bryan.

He was predeceased by brothers, Steve, Floyd, and Leslie, and sisters, Ella, Della, Florence, Marlene, and Cleo.

The family will be present to receive friends at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It was Sonny's wish that there only be calling hours. Expresisons of sympathy in memory of Sonny may be made to Caring Community Hospice of Cortland, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045, or the Church of Christ in Christian Union, 2687 NYS Route 26, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.