Brother Raymond Shepherd
Sunrise Sunset
11/11/44 4/20/24
Brother Ray Shepherd passed away on April 20th at the age of 79. After a youth spent in his native Arkansas he relocated to California and began his career with PG&E and joined as a member of IBEW Local 1245 on 12/31/64.
Brother Ray could be described as a man of the people. He consistently sought out roles and responsibilities of service to others. Whether that was in professional roles at PG&E, ultimately leading him to a later career in the Gas Service Department. Or in his personal and spiritual life, as an active member of Allen Temple Baptist Church as a Deacon, as well as an active Usher officially. But he also spent countless hours supporting his church community and on any given day could be found on church grounds unlocking doors, cleaning the kitchen, transporting members from home to services or even to neighboring churches, events, etc. He had a particular fondness for seniors and often drove the church van to make sure they were able to attend. Ray was also known as a “country boy,” which meant not only was he the ultimate gentleman, but he also knew how to fix everything. It was not uncommon for church members to call Ray when something broke down in their homes or at church.
During his more than 43 year career at PG&E, Ray held several IBEW represented job classifications in the Materials, Gas M/C, and Filed Service Departments. Starting very early in his employment, his calling to be of service to his brothers drew him to becoming a Shop Steward. That started him on a path of involvement with Local 1245 that extended well beyond his official retirement from PG&E as a distinguished Service Mechanic in Oakland in 2008. Ray served the brothers and sisters of 1245 as a Unit Recorder, Unit Chairperson, Advisory Council Member, Benefits Committee Member for General Negotiations, Retiree Representative for General Negotiations Bargaining Committee. Additionally he served for a time on the Local 1245 Staff as a Business Representative for the PG&E Central Coast assignment before eventually returning to his job at PG&E and maintaining his reputation as a masterful Shop Steward. In these roles he spent more than 50 years as a brother that Local 1245 members could count on. He approached his responsibility of each role with the professionalism and compassion that made him the go-to resource for all issues contractual. And because of the quality of his character, many sought his counsel on matters not even related to the bargaining unit.
Brother Ray’s legacy lives on through his wife Marie, his children Tyrone Shepherd, Saundra Shepherd Darrington, granddaughter Gaybrael Alvin (Emil), and step-son Rahsaan. His presence will be missed by his loving family, as well as his appreciative Local 1245 family.
Rest in peace Brother Raymond Shepherd.