Billy Joe Shepherd's Obituary
Bill Shepherd, resident of Broken Arrow, OK, passed away Friday afternoon, March 14, 2014 at the age 81 while tending to his family garden. Bill was born May 28, 1932 in Greene County, Tennessee to Joseph William and Mary Magdalene (Colyer) Shepherd. Following graduation from Washington College High School he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country faithfully including his station in Thule, Greenland. He and LaVerne McLeod were united in marriage on August 13, 1954. Bill, a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retired from Ford Glass after 36 years of service in Nashville, TN and Tulsa, OK. In his leisure time Bill enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening, World War II history and working out at the Health Zone Rehab Center. Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years – LaVerne; his three children – Cindy Tucker and husband Gary of Mt. Juliet, TN, Ellen Zimmerman and husband Don of Longboat Key, FL, and Steven Shepherd and fiancé Heather Hanifin of Bixby, OK; three grandchildren – Rod Tucker, Candice Fults and Courtney Jolly and four great grandchildren – Adriana, Cassie, Macie, and Maggie. Also surviving is his brother Johnny Shepherd of Kingsport, TN and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marjorylu Slayden and brother Daniel Colyer Shepherd. Visitation will be held at Floral Haven Funeral Home on Monday, March 17, 2014, from 12 pm to 8 pm. Memorial service will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel. The family requests that memorials in Bill’s memory be made to: St. Jude or a favorite charity of their choice. Online condolences can be made at www.floralhaven.com
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