Arvil Clayton "Shep" Shepherd

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Arvil Clayton "Shep" Shepherd departed his life on this earth and went to his Heavenly Home on October 2, 2007. Born in Wilkes County on May 7, 1935 to Numa and Tate Walker Shepherd. Shep was a self employed artist. He always gave thanks to God for his artistic talent. His passion was cars, whether building or paining one. He loved nature and was an avid fisherman. He was a member of New Grace Baptist Church, which he dearly loved and appreciated his Pastor Craig Edwards and church family. Shep is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Donna, his beloved daughter, Kathy Elledge and husband Jamie of Mount Airy; two grandchildren, Ashley & Todd Elledge of Mt. Airy; one step-son Brian Badgett of Mt Airy and four step-grandchildren, Chris and wife Savannah Badgett of Dobson, Alex, Madison and Tori Badgett of Mt Airy; five brothers and sister in laws, Charles & Carol Shepherd of Lexington, Cecil Shepherd of Winston Salem, Edward and Lorene Shepherd of North Wilkesboro, Plato & Ann Shepherd of Kansas, and Jerry & Janice Shepherd of Roaring River; a sister Ruth Hillard; and his Aunt Bea of Florida and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant brother, two infant sisters, one infant son and a son Jeffery Shepherd. A Celebration of Shep's life will be held on Thursday, October 4 at New Grace Baptist Church at 2 PM. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 7-9PM Special thanks to everyone who supported Shep during his journey whether you sent cards, donations, flowers, food or prayer. Special thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice, especially Dara, Sarah, Christy and Ruby, the Forsyth Onocology Department in Mt Airy and Doctor Shore and staff at Hoots Memorial Hospital. A most gracious thank you to the Owners & Employees of Carolina Carport and New Grace Baptist church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Donna Shepherd, 215 Davis Rd, Mt Airy, NC 27030 to be applied toward medical expenses. Moody Funeral Services will be assisting the Shepherd Family. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.