Michael "Mike" Shepherd

Michael “Mike” Shepherd, age 56, distinguished CPA, golf enthusiast, car aficionado, and devoted animal lover, passed away unexpectedly May 6, 2025. He leaves behind an enduring legacy built on genuine relationships, professional excellence, and a steadfast commitment to integrity.  

Mike built an exceptional career spanning over 30 years in public accounting, starting at KPMG and nearing retirement as a Senior Tax Partner with Dean Dorton, where he spent over a decade as Director in Charge of Tax Services. At Dean Dorton he fostered close relationships with his clients and co-workers, contributing to the growth of the firm, as well as mentoring many young CPAs.    

His loyal German Shepherd, Atlas, was his frequent companion at work, where the canine became an unofficial team member, making rounds to collect treats from coworkers. Mike occasionally had to attach a sign to Atlas that read, "No more treats please, I have gas"—a testament to both his practical problem-solving and his understated humor.  

Those who truly knew Mike recognized a man of substance beneath his dry, often sarcastic humor and guarded exterior. Mike never shied away from telling you exactly what he thought—not out of malice, but from a genuine belief that honesty, however uncomfortable, was always preferable. He had little patience for those who couldn't think for themselves and was resigned to the fact that such independent thinkers were rare.   

For those fortunate enough to break through his crusty shell, they discovered a very good man—fun, caring, and selfless. His devious sense of humor occasionally surfaced in unexpected ways, like gifting his nieces and nephew fart guns for Christmas or presenting his sister with an audio-enabled greeting card with no off switch that when disabled exploded glitter.   

He was committed to serving others. Whether it was helping a client with a complicated tax issue, making sure his wife, Jodi, wore her sunscreen, buying his mom a Miata, funding college funds for his nieces and nephew, or driving hours to help friends who broke down on the side of the road. Mike loved to help others. He served on the Board of Directors for the Lexington Humane Society in addition to fostering and adopting animals. His last act of service was organ and tissue donation.  

Mike is survived by his wife, Jodi Shepherd of Lexington; mother and stepfather, Linda Shepherd and Charles Foree of Lexington; stepmother, Janet Shepherd of Paducah; sister, Melissa (Cameron) Ditty of Cincinnati, Ohio; stepsister, Alison (Todd Terry) Brown of Murray; stepsister, Holly Rush of Lexington; mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Debbie and Jim Bellis of Lexington; father-in-law, Scott Garrison of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; niece, Daphne Ditty of Cincinnati, Ohio; niece, Millie Ditty of Cincinnati, Ohio; nephew, Linus Ditty of Cincinnati, Ohio; step-niece, Ella Brown-Terry of Lexington; step-niece, Emma Rush of Lexington; and furry children, Atlas, Bowie, Chill, Junior and Thumper of Lexington.  

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Marshall “Hank” Shepherd of Paducah.  

In keeping with Mike's request, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 3-5 PM at the Clark Legacy Center, 601 E Brannon Rd, Nicholasville, KY.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40504; Donate – Lexington Humane Society 

IMPORTANT DRESS CODE: No suits allowed. The preferred attire is golf attire or your favorite T-shirt—preferably one that Mike would have either appreciated or mercilessly mocked. Slogan or meme-style shirts are strongly encouraged. Come prepared to share stories, laugh, and honor a man who valued genuine character over pretense.