Harold Davis Shepard, 68, an Oak Park resident for over 30 years, died on April 27, 2016. Born on March 10, 1948, he began his career at the IBM Company in Cleveland, Ohio. A self-made man and a true entrepreneur, he was one of the first black men to be awarded a contract with a major computer supply company and employed many people at his companies, The Shepard Group, ABC Data Entry, and Cook County Computers. He was an influential and successful sales leader.
Mr. Shepard was also committed to his civic duties and served in the Vietnam War. He had a generous spirit and, as a business owner, he provided and contributed to those who were less fortunate. His philanthropic endeavors included support to the United Negro College Fund, and he worked during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to organize relief efforts to provide assistance to those impacted.
His wife, Kelly, and his children, Tiffany, Harold II, Nia, and John were the cornerstones of Harold’s life. He was admired for his demonstration of faith, his discipleship in always helping others, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, no matter what their circumstances.