The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet alerts motorists to look throughout the Commonwealth for newly installed honorary roadside signs recognizing community accomplishments and individuals who have improved the lives of fellow Kentuckians. In Highway District 12, new signs in six counties display names on various roads and bridges designated by the 2020 General Assembly.
“Ceremonially naming roads and bridges is a popular tradition Kentuckians take pride in to recognize people and milestones that bring respect to the Commonwealth,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray.
The bridge on KY 321 that crosses over KY 1428 at Hager Hill in Johnson County was designated CMDR Ballard Shepherd Memorial Bridge by the 2020 General Assembly.
The designation came at the request of State Rep. Bobby McCool, who said, “I am honored to recognize Mr. Ballard Shepherd for his contributions to our country and community.”
Ballard Shepherd was born July 6, 1939, at David in Floyd County, the son of Brice and Lula Shepherd. He joined the United States Army when he was 18, serving in Vietnam in both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Sgt. Shepherd was honorably discharged after six years of military service.
When he returned to Eastern Kentucky, Shepherd owned and operated Shep’s Truck Stop on Auxier Road in Floyd County (old US 23). He later moved his business to Jockey Hollow, running Shep’s Auto Clinic. When he retired, he joined Chapter 18, Disabled American Veterans, based at Auxier. After two years as adjutant, he was voted by the membership to be their commander.
During the 18 years of his volunteer leadership, Cmdr. Shepherd furthered the work of the chapter in several critical areas. Fundraising increased, a chapter vehicle purchased, new uniforms acquired, and a regular meeting place secured. These improvements allowed the chapter to expand its service among the communities of Floyd, Johnson, and Martin counties. Shepherd organized more than 900 military funerals during his tenure, as well as countless flag postings and flag raisings for schools, nursing homes, and storefronts. Chapter 18 veterans are familiar participants at school and community events each Veterans Day.
Cmdr. Shepherd started a program which buys clothes for students in area schools. Under his leadership, the chapter also helped families pay for veterans’ funerals and provided other needed financial assistance to veterans. He was a founding member of the Veterans Coalition for Quality Healthcare, and spent countless hours helping veterans in Johnson and neighboring counties obtain their due compensation.
Shepherd was also an active member of the Prestonsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5839 and the American Legion in Martin. Even after he fell ill with cancer, and the leadership of Chapter 18 passed to his son, Danny Ray Shepherd, Ballard Shepherd continued to attend meetings and participate in military funerals.
Danny Shepherd, himself a veteran, served as sergeant at arms of Chapter 18 when his father was commander. When his father’s illness prevented him from continuing as chapter leader, the membership selected Danny Ray as commander, and his father served under him for about a year, until his death in 2019. Further honoring his father’s legacy, Danny Shepherd now also serves as president of the Veterans Coalition for Quality Healthcare.
“My father’s dedication was unmatched,” Danny Shepherd said. “Somehow and some way, I hope he is with me to help guide me on this journey as commander and president. I hope I do him and the members proud. He will forever be known as the Commander of Disabled American Veterans of Auxier Chapter 18. My hope is that when people who knew my father drive over this bridge and see his name, they remember his accomplishments and devotion to his community and its veterans.”
Ballard Shepherd left behind six children, three from his first marriage, to Ruie May Shepherd: Daryl Shepherd, Glenda Stone, and Tim Shepherd, and three from his second marriage, to Phyllis Ann Shepherd: Danny, Rhonda, and Shenna Shepherd. His second wife, Phyllis, is also a US Army veteran. In addition, three of his children are veterans: Daryl (US Army), Glenda (US Air Force), and Danny (US Army and US Marine Corps).
Fifty-nine honorary names were designated statewide and will appear on 13 bridges, 29 roads and 16 honorary locations. Signage will remain posted indefinitely unless otherwise specified in House Joint Resolution 105.