Sheppard Woolford

Sheppard Charles Woolford or “Coach” as he was known to the legions of young people he inspired as head of the Parkview and Hillcrest football programs for many years, slipped his earthly bonds on March 14, 2023, at the age of 95. He was born in Millville, NJ to Howard & Thelma Woolford. He grew up fishing, crabbing & clamming with his brother Howard on the Delaware Bay surrounded by a loving family. He was a Veteran of WW II serving in the Air Force, and upon return to the states he was offered a Football Scholarship to Arkansas State University (ASU) playing Varsity ball. Accoladed as an athlete, his greatest prize was marrying his college sweetheart Nancy Cunningham.

Having earned his Bachelor’s degree at ASU and his Master’s at Drury College, Shep had a nearly thirty year career as an educator, coach and mentor. Students in his classes were as impacted by his command of the subject matter just as were his athletes on the field. Shep and Nancy only recently moved from their home of 61 years on South Kings Avenue for the comfort and support of the Montclair residences. He taught in the Springfield Public School System and was active in his community serving as an officer in the Missouri National Education Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
His enduring mark however was made on the Springfield metro football scene where he was a fixture as the head coach first at Hillcrest High School, and then at Parkview High School. During his tenure, his teams had many winning seasons and he was Awarded the Springfield Coach of the Year. Shep’s devotion and commitment to this program was matched only by his unwavering beliefs and Christian values throughout his long lifetime.

Shep led by example, engaged in a purposeful life of faith and giving. He was a devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church which he and Nancy joined in 1955. Because of a shared vision with Charley Thomison and their ability to embrace change, Shep and Charley were instrumental in the chartering of The Downtown Church in 2019. Of great joy to Shep was the reemergence of a vibrant congregation with people of all ages in the place he loved and served for decades.

Shep is survived by his wife Nancy of 70 years and two sons: Paul, a Design Principal with Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum Architects (HOK) in California, Paul’s spouse Rick Freeman, and Kelly, an Adventure Tour Director residing in Bali, Indonesia. The family is especially grateful for the healthcare providers with Cox Health, who made Shep’s days a healing experience and who allowed him a quiet dignified passing from his own home. They thank the many friends, parishioners and family members who sent well wishes and support during his brief final illness.

In this time of conflict and self-promotion, the world could hardly stand to lose such a man of principal and humility, however Shep’s shining guidance to generations of Springfieldians will serve as an everlasting testimony to the values he embraced and imbued. To a long life well lived.

Funeral arrangements are through Herman Lohmeyer with services at the Downtown Church on Friday, April 14, beginning with a Visitation from 10 – 11 am, a Memorial Service from 11 am – noon, followed by a Reception in the Fellowship Hall. Burial follows at 3 pm at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Shep's honor to continue his legacy at The Downtown Church, 413 E. Walnut St, Springfield MO 65806.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com