Obituary of John Billy Sheppard

John Billy Sheppard, 82, died Saturday, May 11, 2019.  He was a native of Orange County and attended the Orange County schools.  He began his career of 43 years with Piedmont Electric.  In 1959 he married Linda Sumner.  He loved country and gospel music.  He belonged to the Picking and Grinning music group from the beginning.  He loved NASCAR, mustang cars and camping.  He belonged to Walnut Grove United Methodist Church and charished his family.

   Surviving are his wife, Linda S. Sheppard, one son, Keith Sheppard, two sisters:  Jeannette S. Johnson and twin sister Joann S. Cates (Herbert).  He was predeceased by his parents, Kate and Henry Sheppard, one son Mark Sheppard, five sisters:  Beatrice S. Hicks, Glenna S. Johnson, Mozell S. Potoka, Sally S. Conklin, and Maxine S. Franklin, two brothers, Henry Sheppard and Vernell Sheppard.

   Funeral services will be held 2 PM Wednesday in Walnut Grove United Methodist Church by the Rev. Hunter Preston.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends following the funeral.  Pallbearers will be Rodney Cates, Todd Cates, Ricky Smith, Barry Walker, Mickey Williams, and Glenn Williams.  Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Smith, Gary Sheppard, and Jerry Sheppard.

   Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Bereavement Fund at Walnut Grove UMC.  A special thanks to the Duke Hock Pavillion staff for their special care.  Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough.