On Monday, October 5, 2020, Benny Shepherd Jr, loving husband, father, grandfather, & great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 70. Benny was born on April 5, 1950 in Fort Smith, AR to the late Benny Shepherd Sr. and Helen Irene (Harris) Shepherd. He attended Howard Elementary, Lincoln High, and graduated from Northside High School in 1968. Benny attended Arkansas Tech University and married his high school sweetheart on July 25, 1970. Together they raised two sons Benny Shepherd III (Fort Smith, AR) & Robert Shepherd (Little Rock, AR) and two daughters Cassaundra Shepherd & Aloise Shepherd both of Fort Smith.
Benny Jr. dedicated his life to the Lord Jesus Christ & was baptized at the age of 23 at the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F Temple #8. He served in many different roles & was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of Overseer Gary Turner. He was a member and leader of his local church congregation until he was unable to attend.
“Shep” loved sports and dedicated much of his youth playing baseball and football for the 8th Street Boys Club & Lincoln High School. He was a part of the Northside High School Grizzly athletics from 1966-1968. The Grizzlies were Football State Champions in ’67, and Track State Champions in ‘68. Benny was a 3-year letterman in both Football & Track. He was recognized as NHS’s Football MVP and All-State Football Player in 1968. “Shep” was inducted into the Hall of Honor at Northside in 2011 along with other remarkable athletes. After High School, he committed to play football at Arkansas Tech University, and received many honors including but not limited to: AIC All-Star Football Game (1968), three-time All-AIC Honors (1970-71), AIC Co-Conference Champions (1970) and runner-up NAIA National Champions (1971). He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in January of 1973 after his senior season. March 9, 1973 was proclaimed Benny Shepherd Jr Day by then Mayor of Fort Smith, Jack Freeze.
“Shep” spent 33 years officiating football with his brothers, The Crew. He was apart of the River Valley Officials Association & is a lifetime member of the Arkansas Activities Association.
Benny Jr. had a passion for children, athletics, & church. When he wasn’t taking care of his family, he was on the sidelines cheering for one of his “kids”, beloved Grizzlies & Wonderboys. He also loved to hunt & fish. He had an infectious smile & laugh that will be sorely missed.
He is preceded in death by his father, Benny Sr. He is survived by his wife, mother Helen Shepherd, four children, five grandchildren (Anytria, Diamond, Dasia, Dominique, & Dynasty), five great-grandchildren (Aspen, Isaiah, Olivia, Harris, Novan), sister Wanda Williams, aunts, uncles, God-children (Jay & Eboni Richardson), several children by choice, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, former teammates, & close friends.
Viewing will be 10 AM to 7 PM Friday, October 9, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home, and the family will be present from 5 – 7 PM.
Celebration of Life will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 10, 2020, at New Covenant International Christian Center, 4400 North N Street, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Jay Richardson, Benny Shepherd III, Robert Shepherd, Dominique Andrews, Allan Green, and Corey Woods.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Stacey Sloat, Jerry Reith, Jeff Ray, Chip Johnson, and all former Northside and Southside players and football players from Arkansas Tech.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
