The MSPAA sadly announces the recent passing of one of “Maryland’s Finest,” TFC Richard Leroy Sheppard.
January 1, 1951 — January 6, 2026
OBITUARY
Richard Leroy Sheppard, 75, of Hardeeville, SC passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Caroline’s Cottage Hospice House in Ridgeland, SC.
Richard was born January 1, 1951 in Glen Burnie, MD to the late Earl Leroy Sheppard and Myrtle Viola Arnold. Richard grew up in Glen Burnie, graduating from Glen Burnie High School where he was a varsity athlete in both basketball and football.
Upon graduation, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and proudly served for three years. He was stationed at Phu Lam, Vietnam serving as an Army Specialist 5. After Richard left the U.S. Army in 1972, he joined the Maryland State Police. He distinguished himself by serving on the state’s SWAT Team and then the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED). While with the police force Richard earned his Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University. He enjoyed playing on both the softball and basketball teams.
Richard left the police force in 1983 for a new adventure in Dallas, Texas in the safety and operations area of the waste management industry. He eventually moved to Hardeeville, South Carolina where he and his wife founded, owned, and operated two successful businesses, Low Country Disposal and ADR Siding.
When he wasn’t working, Richard loved fishing, playing golf, riding motorcycles and traveling. He enjoyed trips to Disney World with his grandkids, a tour of Europe, a fishing trip to Alaska and many motorcycle rally’s.
In addition to his wife, Alice, Richard is survived by his daughter, Sandra DiLeo and her husband, Paul DiLeo, of Boonsboro, MD; son, Michael Sheppard and his wife, Kelly Sheppard of Spring Arbor MI; daughter, Stephanie Almy and her husband, Dave Almy of Dewitt, MI; grandchildren, Samantha Dileo, Sophia Dileo, Noah Sheppard, Ian Sheppard, Nicholas Sheppard, Marcus Sheppard, Gabriel Sheppard, Calen Almy and Alexandra Almy; and sisters, Debbie Smith, Mary Madkins, Bonnie Sheppard and Patricia Townsend.
A funeral service was held at 4:00 pm, Friday, January 9, 2026 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caroline’s Cottage Hospice House in Ridgeland, SC.
You may share memories & condolences on the online Guest Book here.
