Sheppard Kellam Ames Jr. passed away June 26, 2017 at the age of 88 at his home in Richmond.

Shepp was a native of Cape Charles, Virginia, and former long-term resident of Gloucester Point and Mathews County. He was born on Sept. 24, 1928, the son of the late Dr. Sheppard Kellam Ames and Catherine Chilcote Ames. 

A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, Shepp served in the Marine Corps for several years. He went into the furniture business, founding Ames Interiors in 1972, symbolized by the giant chair that stood outside his store on Route 17 at Gloucester Point. He designed and sold his own line of “Sheppard Tables.”

Shepp was an avid golfer, sailor, and master woodworker, whose model boats, furniture pieces, birdhouses and decoys are cherished by his friends and family. He was also a beekeeper and was very proud of his “Carobian Farm” honey.

Shepp never met a stranger, and he will be remembered for his sense of humor, storytelling and genuine friendly spirit.

Shepp is survived by his wife of 34 years, Roberta Mauck Ames. Shepp was formerly married to the late Betsy Ames MacFarland, and is survived by their three children, Sheppard Ames III of Raleigh, North Carolina, Benjamin Ames of Arlington, and Elizabeth Lyons of Falls Church. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Charles C. Ames of Midlothian, and sisters, Mary Catharine Valack and Betty Ewell, both of Cape Charles; his three stepchildren, William Mauck, Andrew Mauck, and Cary Mauck, all of Richmond; 14 grandchildren and stepgrandchildren.

Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association honoring the remarkable effort and love Shepp gave to his wife, Roberta.