Rev. Jimmy Sheppard

Jimmy Thell Sheppard, of Terrell, passed away Jan. 30, 2016 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 17, 1934 in Hillsboro, Texas to James Sanford and Eva Blanch Odom Sheppard. His parents welcomed him into Heaven along with his two sisters, Letha Joyce Green, Jenna Lee Boswell, former wife, Pansy Jean and one son, Steven Wade Doss. Jimmy started a long life of 80 some years by dropping out of school at the age of 15. He was the first employee of the Dilly Boat Trailer Co. of Lancaster, TX and then worked for Timberlawn Hospital of Dallas. In 1952, when he was 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Tawakoni for three and a half years. Receiving and honorable discharge in 1955, Jimmy started as a carrier in the grocery business after which he became a meat cutter for 41 years. He also owned and operated Jim’s Awning Co. for 29 years. He loved to buy and sell cars and he successfully sold 100 of them. In 1955, he married Pansy Jean Turnery who gave him three children, Darlene, Jimmy, Jr., and Debra and Pansy passed away in 1964. Jimmy surrendered to the call of the Lord and entered the ministry in 1961, was ordained in 1964 and he pastored 8 churches: three of them for two times as well as one mission over the span of 54 years. God gave Jimmy his childhood sweetheart back to him on Oct. 10, 1964, Jo Ann Doss, and with her came the honor of being a father to two more sons, Wesley and Steve. Jimmy and Jo Ann raised the five children from whom came 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and they were married for 51 great years. He was a proud 20 year member of the American Legion Post #162 where he served as chaplain for 16 years. He also worked at Goggans Funeral Home for 16 years and as Recruiter and Ombudsman for North Central TX Aria Agency on Aging for 17 years. In July, 2015, Bro. Jimmy retired from pastoring due to health reasons at the age of 81. A man who served his Lord, loved his family and honored his friendships, Bro. Jimmy will be truly missed by all who knew him. Funeral service will be at 10:00am, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 at First Missionary Baptist Church in Terrell with the family receiving friends 6-8pm, Monday, Feb. 1, at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations.

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Rev. Jimmy Sheppard

July 17, 1934 - January 30, 2016