Ruford Shepherd was a dedicated member of the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.); a leader of the P.E.C.’s Yards & Gardens Club of Historic Eatonville; a leader in the organization, always ready to do what he could to advance P.E.C.’s mission.

Shepherd was a highly respected P.E.C.  “Ambassador”, locally as well as in Durham, North Carolina and Tuskegee, Alabama. THE EXPERT on ALL Physical Plant matters regarding the management and “on-the-ground” operations for the annual ZORA! Festival, he served on the Festival’s  Executive Staff for decades. He will be sorely missed.