Bruce Sheppard

Bruce Lee Sheppard, 65, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at Hospice of Cincinnati Blue Ash Inpatient Care Center, surrounded by the love and comfort of his "Spousal Unit" (wife) Karla, and his "squirly-girly" (daughter), MacKenzie.

He was born on February 20, 1961, in Galveston, Texas, to Leroy Sheppard and Mary Lee (French) Sheppard, where he was the middle child of five. He leaves behind his three sisters Joanne (Gary) Freeze, Terri (Tony) Williams and Jean Sheppard along with what he would say was "a gaggle of kin folk" including many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brother Dale and his wife Rene.

Bruce greatly enjoyed his career as an electrical controls engineer, where he designed and installed conveyor systems throughout the United States and Europe for companies like Proctor and Gamble, RA Jones, Clopay and Electrol Systems, to name a few. Bruce approached his work with dedication, thoughtfulness, and the same determination he brought to all that he did.

Bruce married the love of his life, Karla Ripley, on January 15, 1997 in Cincinnati, OH. He had a dry sense of humor that matched Karla's, and proved invaluable over their 30 years together. Two years after they married he became a father to MacKenzie Simone. Bruce had an amazingly connected relationship with MacKenzie and they were like two peas in a pod. He greatly treasured his role as husband and father.

Outside of his career, Bruce was a member of the Mill Road church of Christ and valued the friends he met there. He enjoyed animals, especially the family's multiple cats and dog Kaiah. He was also a computer guru, loved history, regularly watched the PBS News Hour, liked yard work and was an avid reader. He will be remembered not only for the things he enjoyed, but for the person he was—kind, quirky, fun-loving and smart. Those who knew Bruce will remember his kind eyes, and how he made them smile.

Bruce's family is more than grateful for the love and support he received during his final days and for the kindness shown to them during this difficult time.

Per Bruce's wishes, he will be cremated. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 14th at 11 a.m. located at the First Unitarian Church in Avondale, 536 Linton Street (at Reading Road), Cincinnati, Ohio 45219. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bruce's name to The Humane World for Animals, formerly The Humane Society; PBS/CET; or donate a tree on this website.

Bruce will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the moments cherished, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.