He retired in 1985 but remained chairman until 1988, after which he served as a general director until 1993.

Shepherd helped convert TI into one of the electronics industrys giants during a 40-year career at the chip maker.

He died Wednesday (Feb.4) of complications from pulmonary fibrosis at his ranch in Quitman, Texas.

He played a leading role in the creation of the semiconductor industry and "was a driving force in establishing TI as one of the first global electronics companies," said Rich Templeton, TI's chairman, president and chief executive, in a statement.

"Mark Shepherd led a remarkable life," said Templeton. "He was a man of integrity, and he loved the pursuit of innovation. Mark played a leading role in the creation of the semiconductor industry", he added.

When he was six-years-old, Shepherd built a vacuum tube in his garage and a year later made his first radio. He graduated from high school at 14.

He served in the Navy as a lieutenant specializing in radar and electronics maintenance aboard the light cruiser USS Tucson during World War II. Later, he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1947.

His first professional position was as a design engineer at the General Electric Company. During World War II, he served for three years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, specializing in radar and electronics maintenance aboard the USS Tucson.

In 1947, he joined Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation working on engineering and development projects. He went to Geophysical Services, the predecessor company of Texas Instruments, in 1948.

Initially a project engineer. Shepherd rose through the ranks to become TI's chief engineer, assistant vice president and general manager of the semiconductor components division with more promotions to follow.

In 1953, he became TI's chief engineer, followed by promotions to assistant vice president and general manager of the Semiconductor Components Division in 1954, and to vice president in 1955. In 1961, Shepherd became executive vice president and chief operating officer of the company.

In 1962, Life magazine hailed him as one of the 100 most important young people in the U.S.