ETUA's Three Scholarship Funds
Our
first endowment is in the name of Colonel Joe and Claire Shepherd.
We
lost Joe on Dec. 5, 2001, and he is survived by his
lovely wife Claire.
Claire Shepherd is a beautiful
Georgia peach, born in Rome, GA.
Col.
Joe Shepherd, U.S. Army Retired was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He
graduated from Tuscaloosa High School and attended the University of
Alabama on a football scholarship where he was teammate of a fellow
named Paul “Bear” Bryant.
He
played guard and earned his letter in 1935 and 1936. He was on the
1935 Alabama Rose Bowl team that beat Stanford 29-13. Coach Bryant,
having completed his eligibility, was Joe’s position coach in 1936.
In
1937 he accepted a commission as Lieutenant of Infantry, U.S. Army.
He
promoted to Company Commander of Army Specialized Training Unit.
During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater in the occupation
of Japan.
Following WW II he served 30 years including a tour of duty as an
Infantry Battalion Commander in the Korean War. He was on active duty
during the Vietnam War. He retired from the U.S. Army Infantry after a
final tour of duty as Professor of Military Science at the University
of Tennessee. He then served for 12 years in the Knoxville School
System as a member of the Superintendent’s Staff.
A
strong physical fitness advocate he maintained high standards of
fitness for himself and those serving under him. An avid runner he ran
in the 1980 Boston Marathon and also ran in the 1st
Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.
Joe
received the Hearty Knoxvillian Award in 1992 from the American Heart
Association. He also volunteered once a week in his church’s soup
kitchen serving 80-100 street people. In addition to his church he was
active in the Knoxville Kiwanis Club (life member), the Salvation Army
Advisory Board (life member), Knoxville Track Club (life member) and
several military organizations.
The
East Tennessee University of Alabama Alumni Club continues to grow and
prosper largely due Colonel Joe’s inspiration and motivation he left
us. Col. Shepherd’s primary interest was always directed towards the
continuation and enhancement of the University of Alabama’s image and
future. He remains the driving force within our Chapter, he always had
a positive comment that challenged and encouraged the Chapter’s
volunteering cadre.
When
Col. Joe addressed the Bama loyals, his wishes and dreams usually
turned successful programs for the betterment of youth development or
funding activities for the Chapter. As one of the original organizers
of the ETUA.
It is
a distinct pleasure and great honor that the endowment bear
Col.
Joe and Claire Shephard’s name.
