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Shepherd Center co-founder dies at age 90

James Harold Shepherd, Sr. died Monday.

One of the co-founder's of the Shepherd Center has died at the age of 90.

The hospital posted on its Facebook page James Harold Shepherd, Sr., died Monday.

"This is a huge loss for Shepherd Center and the community," the post said. " We all loved Harold. Along with his beloved wife, Alana, and son, James, he founded Shepherd Center to create a rehabilitation center for people with neurological injuries and illnesses closer to home and to help others in the Southeast, and eventually, all over the world."

Harold and his family founded the Shepherd Center in 1975.

His son James received a spinal cord injury after suffering from a bodysurfing accident in 1973. 

For James’ initial recovery, the family had to seek treatment far from Atlanta due to the lack of rehabilitation care options in the Southeast.

The Shepherds decided to do something about it and create a rehab center.

“His family and business connections played a huge role in starting Shepherd Center and in saving my dad’s life,” says Jamie Shepherd, Harold’s grandson and son of James. “Without those connections and his relationships, Shepherd Center might not be here.”

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