Richard Dewitt Shepherd

Richard DeWitt Shepherd (CMSgt. USAF Retired), went peacefully into the Lord's house, Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Circle of Life Hospice facility in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Born April 2, 1930 to Francis Monroe Shepherd and Georgia Mildred Hall in Milan, Missouri, he spent his early childhood roaming the farms of his grandparents. The family later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where Richard graduated from Proviso East High school.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1951, having a distinguished career receiving a bronze star as well as additional medals for meritorious service. He proudly served until January 1977, when he moved to Bella Vista and finally set down permanent roots. He then embarked on a second career as a golf course maintenance supervisor for the Bella Vista POA - and many a golfer had Richard to thank that they could play through the ice and snow! He retired from that position in 2012, marking the end of his second career.
He married the great love of his life, E. Lynette Copeland, on May 7, 1964 in Valdosta, Ga., and together they traveled the world making memories and lifelong friends.
He enjoyed his friends, golf, gardening and sitting on his peaceful deck watching glorious sunsets with his wife.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, E. Lynette Shepherd of Bella Vista, Arkansas; daughters, Suzanne (Bob) Bettac, San Antonio, Texas and Renee Evert of Virginia Beach, Virginia.; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Shepherd of Portland, Maine.; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family he had adopted over the years; and his beloved puppy, Michelle. He was predeceased by his parents, son, Gary Kevin Shepherd and brother, James Shepherd; mother in law, Pauline J. Copeland, brother in law, Albert Dewey Copeland and sister in law, Frances Copeland. Richard's other survivors include: sister and brother in law, Lynda & John Buckholts of Forest Park, Georgia, nephews, Albert D, Jr. and Jennifer Copeland of Northern Georgia, Glenn L. and Vickie Copeland of Valdosta, Georgia, John E. (Eddie) Buckholts, Jr. & partner, Celene Kennedy of Conyers, Georgia; nieces, Beth M. Greene and husband Danny Ray of Valdosta, Georgia, Cindy Benton and husband Randy Benton of Stockbridge, Georgia, and Paula Wood and husband William (Bill) Wood of Jonesboro, Georgia, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 3 p.m.at the Bella Vista Funeral Home in Arkansas. Committal services and military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Bryan Jarvis will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Circle of Life/ Legacy House, Bentonville, Arkansas, The American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Condolences can be made online at www.funeralmation.com. and/or www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the family in Valdosta.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602