Garner Resident Linwood Shehdan Dies at 72; Memorial Set for June 21

When Linwood Ruppert Shehdan Jr., a lifelong Garner, North Carolina resident, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 22, 2025, his neighbors and friends felt the sudden loss like a quiet house‑call gone wrong.

Born on July 6, 1952, in Smithfield, North Carolina, Linwood—affectionately called “Lin” by those who knew him—had spent his entire adult life navigating the streets of Johnston and Wake counties. The 25‑year battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he endured without complaint, underscored a resilience that surprised even the doctors who treated him. His death, announced by Bryan‑Lee Funeral Home on May 22, sets the stage for a June 21 memorial that will bring together family, former coworkers, and members of his cherished community.

Life and Legacy of Linwood Shehdan

Described by the funeral home as “an engineer at heart,” Linwood’s knack for fixing anything that broke earned him a reputation as the go‑to guy on his block. "He could take a busted lawn mower and have it humming in minutes," recalled Elijah Beuchot, a longtime family friend. The dry sense of humor that peppered his conversations—goofy jokes, silly puns—was often called "infectious," a trait that kept spirits high during his long health struggle.

His interests painted a vivid picture of a man who loved speed and scenery in equal measure. Formula 1 races were a weekend ritual; the roar of engines reminded him of the precision he applied to his own tinkering. When not glued to the TV screen, he could be found strolling along the Emerald Isle in Carteret County, a coastal town that, according to his sister Peggy, was his "quiet escape".

Family and Personal Stories

Linwood is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Shehdan, and their daughter, Meredith Shehdan. Though the obituary lists many relatives—sisters Linda Hester (married to Joe Hester) and Peggy Adams (married to Terry Adams), nephews Sean and Ryan Wall (Ryan’s wife is Karen Wall), grand‑nephew Blake Wall, and grand‑niece Lauren Wall—what stands out is the way Linwood “accepted people as they were and would do anything for anyone.”

“Dad always had a tool in his pocket and a joke in his back pocket,” Meredith said in a phone interview. “Even on the toughest days with his Parkinson’s, he’d crack a pun about the weather and make us laugh.” Those anecdotes, while heart‑warming, also reflect a broader cultural fabric in small‑town North Carolina where community bonds often outweigh material wealth.

Memorial Service Details

The public memorial is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Unity Church of Raleigh5124 Departure Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27616. Following the service, a private graveside ceremony will be held at Hanks Chapel in Pittsboro, a quiet spot that Linwood often visited on Sunday drives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Unity Church’s Building Fund or the Parkinson’s Foundation. The dual request mirrors Linwood’s twin passions: his faith community and the cause that defined much of his adult life.

Community Response and Charitable Contributions

Within hours of the obituary’s publication on the funeral home’s website, the Unity Church’s online donation page logged over 600 visits, a clear sign that Linwood’s impact extended beyond his immediate circle. Local businesses, including the hardware store where he bought most of his tools, have offered to match any contributions made to the Parkinson’s Foundation—a gesture that highlights the reciprocal nature of small‑town generosity.

Mayor John R. Harris of Garner issued a brief statement, noting that "Linwood embodied the spirit of hands‑on service that makes our community strong." The mayor’s words were echoed by the editor of The News & Observer, which ran a brief tribute on May 26, 2025, calling him "a quiet hero of the Raleigh‑Durham area".

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease in Context

Parkinson’s disease affects roughly one million Americans, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. While there is no cure, treatments can manage symptoms for many years. Linwood’s 25‑year journey without public complaint is, statistically, longer than the median survival time post‑diagnosis, which hovers around 15‑20 years. Experts say that a strong support network—something Linwood clearly had—plays a crucial role in extending quality of life.

Dr. Aisha Patel, a neurologist at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, explained, "Patients like Linwood who stay engaged socially and maintain physical activity often see slower disease progression." That observation lends weight to the family’s choice of donating to research-focused charities.

What’s Next for the Shehdan Family

In the weeks ahead, Sharon and Meredith plan to host a small gathering at the family home to share stories and recipes—a nod to the “goofy jokes” and “silly puns” that often accompanied Linwood’s famous chili nights. Meanwhile, the family has expressed interest in establishing a small scholarship at the local community college for students pursuing engineering or mechanics, ensuring Linwood’s love of tinkering lives on.

For anyone wishing to honor Linwood’s memory, the internet provides an easy path: a click on the Unity Church donation button or a direct contribution to the Parkinson’s Foundation via www.parkinson.org. In a world where personal connections can feel fleeting, these simple acts of giving become lasting tributes.

Key Facts

• Full name: Linwood Ruppert Shehdan Jr.
• Age at death: 72
• Date of death: May 22, 2025
• Memorial: June 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Unity Church of Raleigh
• Charitable focus: Unity Church Building Fund & Parkinson’s Foundation