Billy Wayne Shepherd

Born on January 13, 1957, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Vollie Shepherd and Florence Nadine (Gatewood) Shepherd, Billy grew up in the Tahlequah area, surrounded by the love of his family. Raised in a loving home with seven brothers and four sisters, Billy's childhood was filled with joy, laughter, and adventure.

Despite facing challenges throughout his life, Billy's spirit remained unbroken. He found happiness in the simple things: fishing, camping, and back roading with his brother in his younger days. A true cowboy at heart, Billy adored John Wayne and spent hours watching westerns on TV. He also loved collecting pictures of John Wayne, cowboys, and Chuck Norris, as well as cowboy hats and boots. Billy's family will always remember his love for dressing up like a cowboy, donning his favorite black jackets, and sporting a proud smile.

Billy's love for family was unmatched. He cherished time spent with his loved ones, especially his mama's cooking, which always brought a smile to his face. He was a devoted uncle and brother, always eager to share in the joy of those around him. Billy's innocence and kindness inspired everyone he met, and his love for life's simple pleasures will never be forgotten.

He is home now with his grandparents; his father, Vollie Shepherd; his mother, Florence Naydine (Gatewood) Shepherd; his brothers, Jimmy Shepherd, Troy Shepherd; his sisters, Darlene Morton, Mary Ann Ball; his brother-in-law, Don Herriman; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Shepherd.

Billy is survived by his loving family, including his brothers, Frankie Shepherd and wife Dorothy of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Ernest Shepherd and wife Sunny of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Eddie Shepherd of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Lee Roy Shepherd and wife Bernadette of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his sisters, Eva Ussery of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, Carolyn Herriman of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his nieces and nephews, and countless friends who adored him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Rest in peace, Billy. Your love, kindness, and gentle spirit will never be forgotten.

A visitation for Billy will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Molly Field Cemetery, 8219 OK-10, Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Ernest Shepherd, Eddie Shepherd and Lee Roy Shepherd.