of Marianna, AR
August 16, 1940 - January 30, 2021
William Lynn (Bill) Shepherd, 80, of Marianna, Arkansas passed away after a brief struggle with Covid-19 and Pneumonia at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas on January 30, 2021. Bill was born August 16, 1940 in LaGrange, Arkansas to E.L. and Thelma Hunter Shepherd. He is survived by his wife Joan, of 54 years, two daughters, Vicki Holcombe (John) of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Holly Shepherd of Marianna, Arkansas, twin sons, BJ Shepherd of Wynne, Arkansas, and Bret Shepherd (Alison) of Wynne, Arkansas, six grandchildren, Jason Carter (Jessica), Katie Flowers (Taylor Allen), Megan Shepherd, Garrison Hobson, Mason Shepherd and William Lynn Shepherd III, and three great-grandchildren, Owen Carter, William Carter, and Maddox Flowers. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Hunter Shepherd.
Bill loved his church family and was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church holding many roles in the church including, deacon, elder, treasurer and Chairman of the Board but most important role was faithful servant. Bill was always ready to step up any way necessary whether it was painting the church parsonage, washing dishes or taking out the trash after a church potluck or loading and moving furniture for church members and helping those in the community that just needed a hand.
He enjoyed working in his garden and taking care of his yard, building things in his workshop, and building furniture with friend, Cliff Allen. He also loved working at the polls in the last few elections and more recently working as a peanut grader for the UDSA at Delta Peanut. But mostly what he loved the best was the big family gatherings when al his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come and have the house bursting at the seams.
Pallbearers will be Patrick Carter, Jimmy Keasler, Bill Curtis, Cliff Allen, Lance Carrier, B.J. Curtis, Scott Jones, Oliver Humphreys.
A memorial graveside will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Marianna Memorial Park with Brother Max E. Goins and Brother Cliff Allen officiating.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Christian Church of Marianna, 568 West Chestnut Street Marianna, Arkansas 72360.
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11 Condolence(s)
David Grigsby
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Very kind and gentleman he was. Very thoughtful and loved life to fullest. Lots of Love, Prayers and Thoughts go out to the family.
May He Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Malcolm Jay Craig
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
There are times when you read about someone’s life and you deeply wish you had known them a lot better. What a celebration of Mr. Bill’s life... He ran the race, he fought tha good fight. He won!
My best to cousin Joan and the entire family! I look forward to seeing Mr. Bill again some day. ðŸ‘🥳🌺💪ðŸ™
Ruth Snyder
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
I am so sorry to hear Mr. Bill has passed away. I will miss him dearly. I have missed his cheerful voice on the phone.
Ashley
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
So very sorry for you’re loss, I remember working at food giant, he would always stop by and chat and always brought a smile to our faces! He was a very sweet man!
Mike and Diane Vondran
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Dear Shepherd Family, our prayers, to you all during this time of great loss to your family. Mr. Bill was a wonderful Christian man, I know he will be missed in his community and especially his church family. Praise be to GOD he is home in the arms of his Savior.
Kim Craig Simpson
Monday, February 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our family’s thoughts & prayers are with you all. Praying God’s peace & comfort for your family.
Boyd and Wanda Russell
Monday, February 1, 2021
So sorry to hear this. Praying for his family and friends. We have lost so many good people and he was one of the best.
Lynette Burt Murphy
Monday, February 1, 2021
Bret and Family,
I am so sorry to see the loss of your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you.
Ann Felton
Monday, February 1, 2021
SO SORRY !!! Bill will be missed by everyone !!! Prayers for the family !!!
Steven Bowlan
Monday, February 1, 2021
Mrs. Joan, I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Bill for the past two peanut harvest seasons. Every time I walked into the grading room he greeted me with a smile, handshake and some variety of nice words about how things were going there. No matter how busy or stressful things were, he had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers of Peace are with you and the family.
Reverand and Mrs. Chester L. Bogus Jr.
Monday, February 1, 2021
We are saddened in our hearts to learn of Mr. Bill’s passing. He was always a blessing to us while pastoring at First Christian Church of Marianna. Mr. Bill was the first member of the church we met in person. He met us with a smile and a warm welcome. We will never forget his servants heart. As we can not begin to imagine the immense loss, we can share in the thought of knowing he is on the streets of gold with God in Heaven.
We are praying for the precious arms of God to envelope all in His comfort.
Blessings, Hugs and Prayers,
Pastor Chet & JJ