Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1962
DIED
2015
Arthur Shepherd Obituary
Port St Lucie, FL- Arthur "Ray" Shepherd, 53, took his last breath on this earth, Monday, August 3, 2015. We rejoice in knowing at that moment he took his first breath in the arms of Jesus Christ. After a valiant battle with cancer, Ray ceased at St. Lucie Hospice House, Port St Lucie Florida. His early education began in the Bibb County School system, continued for 1 year at Gordon Junior College and 2 years at USC Aiken, where he was awarded scholar athlete of the year twice and to this day holds baseball achievements including most home runs at consecutive at bats. Ray came back home and graduated from Mercer University Macon with a teaching degree. He became a certified educator in both Georgia and Florida. His lifetime was dedicated to helping children, not only in the classroom, but sharing his talent and knowledge of baseball. He especially loved encouraging his Brothers children, Cam, Ashton and Jacob and followed their accomplishments daily. Ray was a faithful middle school educator until early retirement in 2014.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Gayle, his beloved pets, Bob-Kitty, Blackie, Rusty and Tiger, both parents, Arthur "Ray" Shepherd Sr. and Fay Shepherd Baker, step-mother Elaine Shepherd and step-father John A Baker, four Brothers, Tony Shepherd, Mike Shepherd and wife Judea, Jerry Shepherd and wife Erin, Chris Shepherd and wife Betsy, step-sons Shawn and Brent Kitrell, Sister-in law Lynn Thompson, niece Staci Thompson, Uncle Ernie Shepherd, Uncle Charles Shepherd and wife Renee, Aunt Carolyn Hall and husband John and Aunt June Shepherd. three step-brothers, Dr. Justin Baker and wife Mollie, Scott Baker and wife Brittany, Todd Baker and wife Amy, 2 step-sisters Lindsey Childres and husband Zan, Melanie Baker, 2 aunts Angie Hester and Tracy Hammond, 3 uncles, Jerry Martin and wife Sherril, Jimmy Hammond and wife Debra, Steve Hammond and wife Kim, 14 nephews. 3 nieces, 2 great nephews, and 1 great niece. He leaves lovingly numerous cousins, whom he grew up with and loved very much. He was proceeded in death by uncle, Ronnie Hammond, Uncle Scottie Shepherd, Aunt Carolyn Shepherd and Uncle BoBo Shepherd.
Condolences may be expressed online at the Macon Telegraph and News Obituary website.
In loving memory the family requests donations be made to St Lucies Hospice House, Port St. Lucie Florida, The American Cancer Society or Mollies House Stuart Florida ( Housing for the families of terminal patients).
View the online memorial for Arthur "Ray" Shepherd Jr.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Shepherd
Emily Weldon
October 7, 2015
So sorry to hear about our precious classmate..God Bless You all....
August 13, 2015
Gayle,I,m truly sad to hear about your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Charlie Blankenship
Greg Smith
August 12, 2015
I had the honor of playing basketball with Ray, his brother Tony, and cousin Keith, way back in 1973. Ray and I also played junior high football together at Ballard A.
Ray was truly a good guy and a great friend.
My sympathy to the entire extended Shepherd family.
Jim Layton
August 12, 2015
Ray, I'm sorry to hear about your son's death.I remember you being so proud of his baseball talents when he was in schoolI used to work you and brother Ernie when I worked at Bibb Dist. Co..God bless your family in this time of grief..
.
Randy and Laurie Griffin
August 11, 2015
Ray, Faye, Tony, Mike, Jerry, and Chris, Heard about Ray's passing tonight from Mike. Growing up with the Shepherds and seeing first hand how close they were and now having three boys of my own, I cannot imagine the pain Ray and Faye must be feeling. Ray was always so kind and humble and obviously had found a life of purpose both in his work and his faith. We know our words are pretty futile at a time like this, but know we try to find words of comfort because of what all of you have meant to us. What a special family you all are to so many. We are all grieving with you.
Jimmy Parsons, Jr.
August 9, 2015
Ray, Faye, Tony, Mike, Jerry, Chris and the entire Sheperd family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'll always treasure the fond memories of little league baseball with all of you. So sorry for your loss
August 9, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. Ray was always so sweet and so kind. He touched so many lives on and off the field. May God hold you close during this time, and y'all are in our prayers. Greg and Rita (McGowan) Armstrong
Travis Williams
August 8, 2015
Ray. So sorry for your loss. I'll always remember the good times growing up in the Peach Orchard.
Troy Edwards
August 8, 2015
Sorry for Your and Your Familys Loss remember Him as a Great Athlete when I was coaching at the time He was playing. God be with You and Your Family.
August 8, 2015
Gayle sorry to hear about Ray.All are in our prayers and thoughts.Please call us,let us her from you.Lynda Ryals Stone 478-945-6615 And Pat Ryals Rogers 478-956-4815.Love,you. John 3:16.
Jennifer Durden Shipp
August 8, 2015
Ray I am so sorry for your loss. We worked together at Georgia Highway Express in the late 60's. I also babysat for you and Faye when your boys were little. May God be with you in your time of sorrow
Janice Johnson Bish
August 7, 2015
Ray & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Virginia (Dinny) Phillips
August 7, 2015
Fay, I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. There is no pain like losing your child, no matter when it happens. I lost my daughter 4 years ago. She was 42. The Shepherd and Hammond families will be in my prayers. God be with you all.
Glenn & Liz Shepard
August 7, 2015
We are so saddened of Ray's illness (we didn't know about) and his passing. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. We have fond memories of our Bloomfield Little League family who built the field. God Bless and comfort you.
Marcia and B.L. Clark
August 7, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great loss. We treasure the years at Bloomfield Little League with the Shepherd Family. We will always remember Ray as the sweet caring person he was..
August 7, 2015
Natalie Chambliss-Beach
August 7, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
August 7, 2015
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wayne,June and Bill Stinson and Ann Cryer
Tim Rhyne
August 6, 2015
My Jessie Rice/Bloomfield buddy !! I can't think about Ray without a smile coming to my face. That "Ray" smile and laugh will always be with me! I was so pleased to make contact with him a few years ago. He was so eager to share with me about the Lord Jesus working for good through his life !!! I look forward to seeing my friend again someday! Mr. Ray & Ms. Faye..... If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to call me (478) 550-6002.
Lamar & Diann Kennedy
August 6, 2015
Dear Ray, Faye, and families, Our hearts are saddened in the loss of your son Ray. We will always remember him with such fondness and the times we shared with all of you and Ray at Bloomfield Little League. Losing a son is so very hard, as you know we also suffered in the loss of our Brian when he was 17. Our prayers will be with you for God's comfort, his loving care, and our sincere wishes that he holds you all very close in his arms as you go through this most difficult time. God Bless you all.
Richard NeSmith
August 6, 2015
Faye and my mother were roommates at the hospital waiting on Ray and I to be born.
Our families would visit as each new boy was added to the families, but we eventually moved to Fulton Hills and the Shepherds soon followed. Between the five of them and the four of us and the Calhoun's in the middle, we had a lot of fun.
I beat him on this earth by 4 days, but he left us way too early. It has been years since I have seen him, but still thought of him as a "brother".
Faye, Tony, Mike, Jerry, and Chris, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
george thistlewood
August 6, 2015
Ray and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think there is anything harder to deal with than the loss of a child, but you know he is in the arms of JESUS.
Jon & Margie Martin
August 6, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We grew up with the Shepherd's in Fulton Hills. Such great memories! Prayers to all of the family.
Gwen Hardin
August 6, 2015
Sorry for yall's loss.
Kathy Cranford
August 6, 2015
Faye, Ray, Jerry, Chris, Tony & Mike,
Ray was a good man and we know that you will miss him terribly. The Cranford family sends their prayers and we are all so, so sorry for your loss.
Gary Powell
August 6, 2015
Sorry to hear of Ray's passing. It's been a few years since I've seen him. He would always go out of his way to speak when I did see him. My prayers go out to the family.
The Vickers's
August 6, 2015
The Vickers wishes to extend our deepest and most heart felt condolences to the Shepherd family in their time of loss. Ray was always a breath of fresh air, he was always so happy to see a friend and greet that friend and talk with them. He will be greatly missed.
JUANITA TOWSON
August 6, 2015
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RAY.MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WIYH THE FAMILY.
sandra Bedgood aronson
August 6, 2015
Faye and family. Sending prayers your way for strength and peace in God's love.
August 5, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I dearly remember your family and pray for God's peace during this time.
Alan Martin
August 5, 2015
I was shocked to to learn of Ray's passing. We grew up in Fulton Hills together and boy did have a fun crew. I will never forget all of the memories. He had the biggest heart of all of us. He will sadly be missed and prayers go out to your family.
Alan Martin & family
Kim Suttles Barbee
August 5, 2015
Ray and I had classes together at Windsor while he was there and had alot of fun times in class and with our classmates at ballgames and school functions. Praying for all of his family. I'm glad he had a great life and lots of folks who loved him and he touched alot of lives. He had a great sense of humor and kind heart! May God comfort all of you with precious memories.
Kathy Jones
August 5, 2015
Condolences to the family. I have fond memories of Ray from our childhood.
August 5, 2015
Our thoughts are with you all. Will keep you all in our prayers. Sincerely, Jim Patat and Debbie Berkner
August 5, 2015
I am sorry to have heard about Ray's passing... Used to love watching him and his brothers play ball.. Prayers are with his family.
Donna Williams
August 5, 2015
So sorry to hear the sad news about Ray. Praying for family & friends.
Sherry Smith
August 5, 2015
Gayle, I am sorry to hear about Ray! Will keep you in my prayers.
Steve Hardin
August 5, 2015
Sorry for yall's loss.
Leslie Smith DuBose
August 5, 2015
I am sorry to hear Ray's passing. Have so many great memories of him back in high school, he was so sweet. Rest in peace my friend. Praying for his entire family in their time of loss.
Bartow Irby
August 5, 2015
To my old running buddy of the early 80's, we did it all UGA football,Panama City,Atlanta Braves, we lived like kings with nary a nickel between us. But my true joy came from hearing how you turned your life around.....and now your one for the ages,never to be forgotten, God Bless the family, and God Bless you Ray, I love you man
Joy Register-Powers
August 5, 2015
Prayers to the family. I know God has his arms around the family during this time.
Jeffrey Dent
August 5, 2015
I am deeply saddened by the news of Ray's death but forever grateful that we remained friends since 7th grade at Redding School and the craziness of growing up together in Fulton Hills. We reconnected a couple of years ago and shared so many memories of our silliness in the 1970s leaving me in tears from laughter. As usual for Ray, he ended by complimenting me and wishing me well in life. I am lucky to have had a friend like Ray. Prayers for the family.
Tracy Brown
August 5, 2015
To the Shepherd family,
May God Bless you at this time. May you
find comfort in family & friends.
Eddie Arrington
August 5, 2015
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Ray back in high school. May you find comfort in the knowledge that he is now in the arms of his savior!
William Calhoun
August 5, 2015
This news has floored me. Prayers going out to the Shepherd family which was once a part of our Fulton Hills family. The last time I spoke with Ray he was telling me about signing my mother guest book online now today I am signing his. Ray brought such joy to everyone he came in contact with. RIP-Ray
Rad Evans
August 5, 2015
I am sorry about Ray I remember growing up with ya'll boys and playing little league sports
August 5, 2015
My heart is hurting to learn that Ray has passed away. But I know that he believed in Our Lord and Savior and is now in Heaven. Ray was a special person and loved everyone. I will always remember you my friend. My prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Ray!
Kenneth and lisa Knight
August 5, 2015
So sorry for your lost! ! Ray was a great guy.
pattie warren
August 5, 2015
ray was a rascally rabbkit growing but soon turned his life to dedicate to children. he was often at ny hose he enjoyed watching my 3 year old daughter do her ballet i her toto, along with his 4 brothers
Lynn Thompson
August 5, 2015
No more sorrow; no more pain. I will always miss your smiling face, your unique view of life, and the joy you brought to our family. We will take good care of Gayle. Rest, my brother. Rest.
jody criswell
August 5, 2015
Very sorry to hear this. I know he will be missed by many.
Lynn Wood Sullivan
August 5, 2015
I was very sad to hear about Ray. Nothing but good memories of him. He still has the same sweet face. Prayers for peace for the entire family.
Doug Ward
August 5, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Rays passing. My prayers are with the entire family during this time.
Tim/Kim Demoonie
August 5, 2015
I'm sadden to here of the passing of Ray, but I know he's in heaven with our savior. I have many great memories of Ray and I know he'll be missed. To the family, stay strong and keep the faith. Our prayers are with you.
August 5, 2015
Sending thoughts & prayers to the families. Lots of memories in Fulton Hills. Keep your memories close to your heart. Kevin & Tracy Berry Moreau
Judy McCallum
August 5, 2015
Fay - please send me your email address. I didn't add my email address with my first entry. Thx
Judy Calhoun McCallum
August 5, 2015
Fay - I am so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. It seems like a life time ago that we were all next door neighbors in Fulton Hills. I have some wonderful memories with your sweet family & especially with Ray. Love & prayers for you all.
August 5, 2015
Mr Ray Sr & Elaine, thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family. Love, Phyllis & Shirley Smith
Mike and Vikki Jenkins
August 5, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are going up for you and your family. Our love and sincere sympathies are with you.
Kenny Hester
August 5, 2015
I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Ray. He was definitely one of a kind. Find peace and comfort in God's promises. To be absent from the body is to be present with Jesus.
Ronnie Garner
August 5, 2015
I have known the Shepherd's all my life and am very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Fay and Ray you have my sympathy in this time of loss.
Sheila Caldwell
August 5, 2015
Fay, I am so sorry for your lost. I have many good memories of our boys playing together. Prayers going up for you all.
Denise Molton
August 5, 2015
So sorry to learn of Ray's death. May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around each of you and guide you all through the days ahead. Prayers with you all.
Gayle
August 5, 2015
I would like to thank the people who lovingly cared for Ray during his illness, his sister-in-law and niece, Lynn and Staci Thompson, and the wonderful people at Hospice who wrapped their arms around us and held us in their hearts. Diane, Naomi, Laurie and all of the other nurses who took such care of Ray have my eternal gratitude.
Gayla Parrish
August 5, 2015
Fay, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 66 of 66 results
Make a Donation
in Arthur Shepherd's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Arthur Shepherd
How to support Arthur's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Arthur Shepherd's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
