A “Southern Gospel” Celebration of Life service for Donald Ray “Don” Shepard, age 76 of Ashland, will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ashland.
Mr. Shepard passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018 at his residence. He lived most of his life in Clay County and started his career working for Mr. Bob Riley at Riley Poultry Company which later became Cargill Poultry. Don then worked as an automotive salesman at Midway Ford, Main Street Motors, Clay Automotive and Hill Auto Sales, retiring after 25 years of service. Don was well known as the host of gospel music radio shows “Sunday in the Country” and “Wednesday Night Gospel” on Alabama 100.7. He loved working in his lawn, playing with his grandchildren was a member of First Baptist Church of Ashland.
Don is survived by his wife Gail F. Shepard of Ashland; three daughters: Stacey Freeman Sirmon (Scott) of Munford, Stephanie Alise Freeman of Ashland and Amy Chastain of Nevada; five sons: Bennie Shepard (Charlotte) of Ashland, Blake Shepard (Janice) of Ohatchee, Wayne Shepard (Cheri) of Alexandria, Chuck Freeman (Anita) of Ashland and Todd Freeman (Rachel) of Birmingham; two sisters: Ann Hughes (Tom) of California and Joan Cox of Thomasville, GA; one brother, Shearl Bean (Ethel) of Huntsville; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren plus a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Hurbert Shepard and Thelma Bean and his grandparents: Henry Martin and Alma Bean and his two beloved dogs, Biscuit and Cookie.
Floral offerings will be accepted but the family prefers memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Ashland, Alabama Hospice LHC of Oxford and/or Ashland Elementary School Archery Team.
Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland in charge of the arrangements.
