Johnny Ray Shepard was born May 17, 1956 in Centerton, Arkansas and passed away August 27, 2026 in Knobel, Arkansas at the age of 70. Johnny was born 2 ½ months premature at home. He was so small he fit in the palm his dad’s hand. It has been said that his dad, Jay would place Johnny in his coat pocket to keep him warm. His Aunt Wonda fed him his first meal of egg on her finger until a nipple was found small enough for his little mouth. He grew to be a thriving boy. Johnny struggled through seven years of school until one day the principal asked why are you sending him to school. His mom Cookie said because we have to and the principal no you don’t. So, his dad and mom looked for other ways to help Johnny to learn in ways that were helpful for his learning disabilities. One unique thing about Johnny was he knew what everyone was getting for Christmas every year, because he would open every gift under the tree and rewrap them until, he turned 16, When he got a surprise. When it was time to open gifts, Johnny had a gift from his dad and mom at his grandparent’s house johnny got a gun. Boy, was he surprised. After he finished the rehabilitations his dad and mom allowed him to move to Booneville, Arkansas. Where he really thrived. He learned the art of Pulp Wooding, with family members. This helped him later in life when he and his stepson James would work for Asplundh Tree Services. He served a short time in the Arkansas National Guard. He and William (W. C.) enjoyed attending the car races at I- 30 Speedway. He loved Venison so he would go deer hunting. If anyone didn’t want the ribs from their deer, he would ask for them. He was a tree climber and foreman for Asplundh Tree Service. James Cook worked with him and says that Johnny was the best tree climber he has ever known. Johnny later worked as a welder in Paragould, AR, where he built single axle trailers for four wheelers and such, until he became disabled fishing really became his gig in his later years he and James would frequently go fishing on either the Arkansas River or the Black River.

Johnny was preceded in death by his father J.A. (Jay) Shepard, 3 brothers Kenneth, Ronnie, and Andy Shepard, Sister Sheila (Sissy Jaye) Hopper, birth mother Ona Dean Brymer. Johnny is survived by his Mom Cookie Shepard, sister Beverly Wade (Olin), 3 sons; William, Andy, and Nick Shepard. 2 nephews Eric and Ryan Wade, 2 nieces Lisa Teters, Brandy McIntire and their families. 3 stepsons James, Tony, and Doug Cook, stepdaughter Maria Cook and their families. A host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Celebration of Life will be at the Knoble Community Center inside the Knoble Fire House. 255 Maple Street, Knobel, AR 72435 on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Everyone that knew Johnny is welcome to attend and share memoriies..