Douglas Shepley

10/31/2001

Douglas Shepley, 78, of 227 Franklin St., Franklin Court Apartments, formerly a longtime resident of Church Street, died Wednesday morning at Williamstown Commons. Born in Stockport, Cheshire, England, on May 9, 1923, son of Joseph A. and Lilly Bancroft Shepley, he attended schools in England and studied painting and decorating at Manchester University. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Shepley served with communication department of the British Royal Army from 1940 until 1946. He moved to North Adams in June 1949. He began working with several area painting contractors before forming his own business of painting and interior and exterior decorating. He operated Doug's Decorators until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Shepley was a longtime member of First Congregational Church, where he was a deacon, a member of the board of trustees and a longtime Sunday school teacher. He was active in the Boy Scouts in England and in the United States and, in 1937, was presented the King Award, the British equivalent of the Eagle Scout Award. He was a founder of Boy Scout Troop 88 in North Adams and served as its Scout master for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge during the 1950s and '60s, and of the Order of the Scottish Clans, Clan MacIntyre, and a drummer with its pipe and drum band. His wife, the former Olive Dale, whom he married Aug. 21, 1948, died Sept. 19, 1989. He leaves three sons, Bruce Dale Shepley of Adams, Keith J. Shepley of Pownal, Vt., and Christopher D. Shepley of Houston; a brother, Brian Shepley of England, and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Derrick Shepley and Percy Shepley. A Service of Remembrance will be held Friday, Nov. 9, at 11 at First Congregational Church in North Adams, with the Rev. Jill Graham, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or to First Congregational Church in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS at 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247, which is in charge of arrangements.

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