Joseph Alva Shepard, 82, of Myrtle Beach, SC formerly of Rhode Island passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his residence. He was born August 4, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island, a son of Joseph Kenneth Shepard and Gladys Carr Shepard.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith Shepard.

He is survived by his brother, Paul Shepard of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Joseph was a graduate of Hope High School in Providence, Rhode Island. He went on to graduate from Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. He became a Master of Steam and Motor Vessels of any gross tons upon oceans. He also became a First-Class Pilot with Northeast Marine Pilots in Rhode Island, covering New York through the Cape Cod Canal and many ports between. His brother Paul, also became a Master and a First-Class Pilot.

Before his wife passed, he enjoyed his retirement traveling all over the United States with her in their RV. They made two passes through the United States together seeing many different places in each state.

Interment will be held at a later date in St. Mark Cemetery in Jamestown, RI in his family’s plot.