Gregory Dylan Sheppard passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 43. He was a dearly beloved husband, son, brother, and friend taken from us far too soon.

Dylan was born July 18, 1981 in Augusta, Georgia, home of the Masters Golf Tournament. It was here that he discovered two of his passions in life: golf and rocks. From the moment he was born, Dylan's energy was boundless. As a child, he took in the world's wonders by exploring, digging, running — usually bringing his siblings along for the ride. He and his younger brother spent many hours exploring acres of woods on the family property– a blank slate for exploration. When he gained 2 new stepsiblings, he added them to his treks hunting for treasures in the dirt and catching little fish in creeks. If he had fresh air, he was happy. It was also in Augusta where he was exposed early in life to the game of golf while riding in the cart with Greg on his golf rounds.

He had an inquisitive, deeply curious mind. He was always studying something new, analyzing nature, and collecting ideas that broadened his perspective. Once something piqued his interest, he wanted to know everything about it. He graduated from Clayton High School in Clayton, New Jersey in 2000. After moving to Dallas as a young man, Dylan took up golf seriously. Many weekends were spent with his Dad on a golf course. It was on a golf course one day, when Dylan was picking up rocks and pondering what he should pursue as his career, that Greg suggested a Geologist – since he was always collecting rocks. Dylan went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude, in 2006 and a Master of Science in Geosciences in 2010, both at the University of Texas at Dallas. Beyond his degrees, Dylan was perpetually motivated to learn more things to share with his wife, family, friends and anyone else who would listen. He was the original ChatGPT – you could ask him anything and you'd get a detailed answer.

He was very athletic. In his youth, he wrestled and played soccer and baseball. In high school, Dylan played on playoff-qualifying teams in New Jersey Tri County Conference Soccer; he was named 2nd team All-Conference as Junior and 1st Team as a senior. In wrestling, Dylan was 1st Team All-Conference Junior and Senior years, leading to Clayton High School's first qualification for South Jersey Group 1 Finals in back-to-back years. He was known to his coaches as someone willing to put in the effort to succeed and earned 10 varsity letters across these 3 sports. He continued athletics in college, competing in wrestling and billiards. In addition to athletics, he had an early talent for the arts and created beautiful pieces of stained glass in his late teens. In 2018 Dylan was inducted into the Clayton County Hall of Fame for wrestling.

Dylan's love for the outdoors defined his hobbies as an adult and spending time with him usually meant being outside. On one family summer vacation, Dylan insisted on driving half a day to see California's Giant Redwoods and created one of the family's most memorable detours. Just this spring, he lobbied friends to hunt for ammonite and brought one home as big as his rolled-up sleeping bag. He always had a fishing trip, campout, or other excursion planned. He was an enthusiastic cyclist, even on triple-digit Texas summer days. Dylan and his stepbrother Adam spent months biking and competed together in long-distance cycling races, including the infamous Hotter'N Hell Hundred.

He enjoyed golf as a child, but it was during college that his interest truly took off. To say he was an avid golfer would be an understatement. During his first road trip in his beloved white pickup that he drove for more than 20 years, a long trip down the highway included 5 rounds of golf at 5 different courses with his dad over several days. When the weather was warm, Dylan would play 6 rounds a month—or more. Golf was one of the rare activities that could satisfy his endless energy and many of his most memorable times were spent out on the golf course with his dad and his buddies. It was also a competitive outlet for him and he won several local tournaments over the years. He had nearly perfected his game and had his golf down to a steady 2 handicap.

His love of golf also led him to the love of his life, Kara, in 2014. She worked at a golf course in McKinney, where Dylan's penchant for pre-sunrise tee times dragged her to work in the wee hours. On one such morning, Dylan asked for coffee, but Kara accidentally poured mostly grounds. When he told her, she apologized with a beer at the end of his round. This playful spark set them on a path of love and admiration that brought both so much joy. Dylan was Kara's "cheerleader" and she was his strongest supporter as they navigated life's joys and troubles together. Kara blended seamlessly into Dylan's extensive family and became a sister to his siblings. He saw her brightest spots and strove to bring them out over the years, wanting above all to encourage her. She was an incredible match for his energy and vibrancy. They celebrated with each other, traveled, built friendships, and shared an unbreakable happiness.

Professionally, his meticulous attention to detail and passion for learning were great assets. He began his career in oil and gas after completing his bachelor's and earned his master's while working full-time. More recently, he provided independent consulting services across a variety of fields, applying his array of knowledge in different areas. He worked and specialized in projects related to data analysis, reviewing land, and identifying potential resources in unexpected places.

Dylan cultivated friendships everywhere he went. He injected fun and levity into everything he did and wanted everyone to be included. Recently, he signed up for a three-day golf tournament, with some side events like a fishing contest. A family friend with a disability came to see the golf but ended up being much more interested in the fishing. Dylan hadn't planned to fish but happily jumped in to help. The two spent most of the day baiting hooks, catching fish, and sharing jovial conversation. Their enthusiasm – and Dylan's fishing expertise – won them the fishing contest.

Dylan will be remembered by all who knew him as a joyful, intelligent, and helpful person who devoted himself tirelessly to his family and friends. His energy, positive outlook, and the ear-to-ear grin that stretched across his face are deeply missed.

He is survived by his spouse, Kara Carper, with whom he shared his happiest years. He is also survived by his father, Greg (Sharon Rees); his mother Patricia Dettra (Michael Dettra); brother Turrell; half-sister Erika Huseman (Richmond Huseman); step-siblings Adam Gain, April Gain (Obed Manuel), Morgan Rees (Chris Dunn), Christopher Rees, Michaela Rees, and Sean Rees (Danielle Rees); as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends who are too numerous to list.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 17th, , 2025 at 2 pm at the Shepherd Memorial Cemetery in Franklin, North Carolina. Dylan's final burial resting place will be next to his Grandfather, who taught him to love baseball.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Dylan through your charity of choice.

Online Condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.