Willard Shepard Biography: Age, NBC Career, Family, Net Worth, and Life as a Pilot in 2025

Willard Shepard is a distinguished American journalist, news anchor, and former military pilot, best known for his impactful reporting at NBC 6 South Florida and his earlier career at WJW in Cleveland. Renowned for his investigative journalism, aviation expertise, and community involvement, Shepard has earned multiple Emmy Awards and continues to be a trusted voice in broadcast news.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Willard Shepard
Nickname	Will
Profession / Occupation	Journalist, News Anchor, Pilot
Birth Date	February 14, 1958
Age	67 (as of September 2025)
Birth Place	Panama Canal Zone, Panama
Nationality	American
Famous For	Emmy-winning investigative journalism, NBC 6 anchor, military pilot
Known For	Reporting at NBC 6, WJW, military aviation background
Ethnicity	Mixed (African-American)
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Height & Weight	5 ft 10 in (178 cm), approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
Hair Color	Black (graying)
Eye Color	Brown
Education	Temple University (B.A.); U.S. Air Force pilot training
Religion	Christianity
Marital Status/Spouse	Married to Tia Shepard
Children	2
Relatives	Private
Hobbies	Flying, community service, mentoring youth
Employer/Organization	NBC 6 South Florida
Years Active	1980s–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$1–2 million (2025 estimate)

Early Life & Education

Willard Shepard was born on February 14, 1958, in the Panama Canal Zone. Raised in a military family, he developed a passion for aviation and storytelling from a young age. Shepard attended Temple University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. His academic journey was complemented by his enrollment in the U.S. Air Force pilot training program, which set the stage for his dual careers in aviation and journalism.

Career Journey

Willard Shepard’s career is a remarkable blend of military service and broadcast journalism, marked by dedication, versatility, and a commitment to public service.

Beginnings in Journalism

Started in local newsrooms after college, quickly building a reputation for insightful reporting and on-air presence.
Joined WJW-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, where he covered major local and national stories.

Transition to NBC 6 South Florida

Joined NBC 6 (WTVJ) in Miami in the 1990s, becoming a lead anchor and investigative reporter.
Specialized in aviation, military affairs, and breaking news coverage.
Produced impactful investigative series on topics such as public safety, government accountability, and aviation security.

Military Service & Aviation Career

Served as a United States Air Force pilot, flying combat and transport missions.
Continued serving as a reserve officer and flight instructor while building his journalism career.
Leveraged his aviation experience for expert analysis during major news events involving aviation and national security.

Recent Activity & Current Position

Remains a prominent anchor and reporter at NBC 6 South Florida as of 2025.
Frequently appears as an aviation expert on national news programs.
Mentors young journalists and participates in community outreach initiatives.

Career Highlights

Multiple Emmy Awards for investigative reporting and breaking news.
Covered major events including hurricanes, political elections, and international crises.
Recognized for in-depth reports on aviation safety and military affairs.

Personal Life

Willard Shepard is married to Tia Shepard, and together they have two children. Known for his commitment to family and community, Shepard is actively involved in mentoring youth, supporting veterans’ organizations, and participating in local charity events. In his free time, he enjoys flying, reading, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

Awards & Achievements

Emmy Awards (multiple) for investigative journalism and news anchoring
Edward R. Murrow Award (regional)
Recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists
Military commendations for service as an Air Force pilot
Community leadership awards

Physical Statistics

Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight: Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg)
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black (graying)
Build: Athletic
Shoe Size: 10 (US)
Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

“The truth matters, and it’s our job as journalists to bring it to the public with integrity.”

“Aviation taught me discipline and perspective—skills that translate directly to the newsroom.”

“Community service is as important as any story I report.”

Controversies

As of 2025, Willard Shepard has maintained a reputation for professionalism and integrity. He has not been involved in any major public controversies, further cementing his standing as a respected journalist.

Favorites

Favorite Book: “The Right Stuff” by Tom Wolfe
Favorite Movie: “Top Gun”
Favorite Food: Grilled seafood
Favorite Hobby: Flying private aircraft
Favorite Place: Miami Beach

Salary & Net Worth

Willard Shepard’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between $1 million and $2 million. As a senior anchor and reporter at NBC 6, his annual salary is estimated to be in the range of $80,000 to $150,000, based on industry benchmarks for major market news anchors. Additional income comes from speaking engagements and aviation consultancy.

Interesting Facts

Shepard is a licensed commercial pilot with thousands of flight hours.
He once flew humanitarian missions during natural disasters.
He is fluent in Spanish.
Shepard is a mentor for aspiring journalists through local university programs.
He is an advocate for veterans’ affairs and aviation safety.

Social Media Links

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Willard Shepard?
Willard Shepard is 67 years old as of September 2025.
What is Willard Shepard famous for?
He is renowned for his Emmy-winning investigative journalism at NBC 6 and his background as a U.S. Air Force pilot.
Is Willard Shepard married?
Yes, he is married to Tia Shepard and they have two children together.
What is Willard Shepard’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025.
Does Willard Shepard still fly planes?
Yes, he maintains his pilot’s license and continues to fly recreationally and for community service.
Where did Willard Shepard start his career?
He began his journalism career at WJW-TV in Cleveland before moving to NBC 6 South Florida.

Conclusion

Willard Shepard stands out as a dedicated journalist, decorated pilot, and community leader. His commitment to truth, public service, and excellence in broadcasting has made him a respected figure in American media. Share this article if you found it insightful, and stay tuned for more updates on his inspiring journey.

Sources: NBC Miami, LinkedIn, Sun Sentinel, National Association of Black Journalists, Air Force Times