Jimmy Ralph Shepherd, aged 89, of Pontotoc, MS, passed away on August 2, 2026, at NMMC – Tupelo. Born on August 14, 1936, in Pontotoc, MS, Jimmy served in the Army from 1958 to 1960. He married Sandra Frances Peddy on May 3, 1963, and together they shared 63 wonderful years. Jimmy was a devoted family man, survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Teresa Shepherd Fitts, grandchildren Ashley Fitts Baggett and her husband Justin, Nathan Fitts and his wife Katelyn, and great-granddaughter Kacey Dove Fitts. He is also remembered by his faithful cat, Red.
Jimmy dedicated 40 years of service as a union painter with the Memphis City School System before retiring. In his retirement, he enjoyed farming, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an active member of the Masons and Shriners, with his service as follows:
Bro. Jimmy Shepherd’s Masonic History (in the Blue Lodge)
Initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason at
John S. Cain Lodge No. 259 – Houlka – 03 JULY 1974
Passed to Fellow Craft Mason at John S. Cain
Lodge No. 259 – Houlka – 09 AUG 1974
Raised as Master Mason – John S. Cain Lodge
No. 259 – Houlka, MS – 16 SEP 1974
Affiliated with Pontotoc Lodge No. 81 on 26
MAY 1998
Became a Perpetual Member of Pontotoc Lodge
No. 81 on 06 SEP 2019
Served as Treasurer of Pontotoc Lodge No 81
from 2003 through 2008
Received 50-year certificate, lapel pin, and apron from Pontotoc Lodge in 2025.
He was a member of the Eastern Star & York
Rite Shriners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Thomas Shepherd and Clara Ernestine (Tiner) Henry Shepherd.
A visitation will be held at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home on August 7, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM, and again on August 8, 2026, from 1 PM to 2 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2 PM on August 8, 2026, at the same location, officiated by Bro. Scotty Bland. Interment will be at Pontotoc City Cemetery.
Pallbearers
Nathan Fitts
Justin Baggett
David Thompson
David Hall
William Rex Staten
John Logan
