Our Story

We are an independent, family funeral directors in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas that have been providing compassionate funeral services for bereaved families for well over 80 years.

The Sheppard’s History

Our Funeral Homes

HG Harris was founded by Tommy HG Harris from the Broad Street funeral home in Staple Hill back in 1952. Tommy originally lived on site with wife Emily, where they operated their own horses and hearse.

Austin Sheppard took over the business following Mr Harris’ passing in 1970.

In October 2021, HG Harris moved into our new purpose-built premises on the same site.

F Woodruff was established in 1968 by Fred Woodruff. The first funeral home was located in Bell Road, Coalpit Heath.
A few years later the business moved to Badminton Road, where it remains today.

In 1987 F Woodruff was passed on to Austin Sheppard, and the Coalpit Heath branch became the family home for Austin, his wife Nichola, and the rest of the family.

Two further Woodruff offices have since been established in Yate and Winterbourne.

L&J Gulwell, as the name suggests, was founded by Les and Jean Gulwell. Les had previously worked as a Funeral Director with Mr Pitcher in Thornbury before moving to his own site in Thornbury High Street in 1992, offering a funeral service to families in Thornbury, Pilning, Severn Beach and the surrounding area.

The business was passed onto Austin Sheppard in 2001.

Our Funeral Homes

Austin Sheppard

Chairman

Austin, a former England rugby player, began his funeral career early, influenced by his father’s work as a stonemason.

After an apprenticeship in London, he returned to Bristol to lead HG Harris Funeral Directors, expanding the business with his wife, Nichola.

Though semi-retired, he remains active, upholding the care and tradition central to his lifelong work.

Nichola Sheppard

Company Director

Nichola formally joined the business in the late 1980s and has supported teams across multiple branches while raising the next Sheppard generation.

Her compassion and commitment to families have made her a vital part of the company’s leadership.

Max Sheppard

Managing Director

Max Sheppard rejoined the family business in 2009, later becoming Managing Director in 2021.

He has led key projects, mentored staff, and now drives the business forward with a focus on innovation and compassion.

Kit Sheppard

Operations Director

Kit Sheppard returned in 2021 as Operations Director after a career in marketing with major brands.

A Swansea graduate, he now leads modernisation efforts and the 2025 rebrand, shaping the future of Sheppard Funeral Directors.

Rory Sheppard

Funeral Services & Workshop Lead

Rory began his career with an apprenticeship at WA Truelove & Sons, following in Austin’s footsteps.

Now leading the Funeral Services and Workshop team, he brings over 20 years’ experience and holds diplomas in Funeral Arranging and Funeral Directing.