William S. Sheppard Jr., 84, returned to his heavenly home on February 6, 2021 after a valiant battle with a long illness.  His devotion to his family, friends and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

William was the second born to the late William S. Sheppard Sr. and Ella Mae Sheppard, in Akron, Ohio on May 26, 1936.

William, affectionately known as “Billy”, was educated through the Akron Public School system, attending South High.  While in the school system, his mother had high hopes that one of her children would become musically inclined; therefore, she sent him and his sister to music classes. Because of this, Billy acquired a love for playing the saxophone.

Billy was immersed in the Christian community, which would be his lifelong support. At an early age, he gave his life to Christ and loved to read God’s word which continued throughout his life.

Billy’s first job was with Turner Trucking Company in Akron, Ohio.  He was committed to sowing his seed back into the kingdom and would bring his paychecks home, give to his mother to pay his tithes first, and would tell her she could have whatever money was left over.

On December 12, 1954, Billy enlisted into the United States Army serving two years with an  honorable discharge.  After being discharged from the Army, Billy began his work career with Consolidated Freight as a long-distance truck driver.  Billy, whose “cb” handle was known as “Doc”, once said, “the lifestyle of a long-distance truck driver isn’t for everyone.” However, he enjoyed the open road and drove for long hours on end.  Continuing his long-distance driving endeavors, Billy then drove buses for Greyhound, and later embarked upon driving for Evans Tour Bus Company.  Billy just couldn’t sit still; he then became employed with Adessa Wholesale Vehicle Auctioneers. There he drove vehicles to be auctioned.  Billy’s commitment to working allowed him to obtain yet another job.  However, due to sickness, Billy had to retire from TD’s    Securities, working as a Security Guard at Aldi’s in Akron, Ohio.

In his past-time, Billy owned and enjoyed riding motorcycles.  He would strip down the motorcycle to rebuild and put it back together.  In addition, Billy worked on cars and would repair them as well.  His hobbies included playing the saxophone, going to     various churches, such as Zion, First Apostolic and many other churches around the Akron area. We all knew that Billy absolutely loved talking on the phone!

He was kind, fun loving and loved to play jokes, all while being a protector of his family.  In addition, he liked to fish, travel and never met a stranger. Billy was blessed with a large and loving family. In addition to that family, was his church family.  He was a former member of Zion Apostolic, under the leadership of Bishop David Parker, Sr. and currently a member of First Apostolic Faith Church (Faith Place) under the  leadership of Bishop Samuel L. Hampton II.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr., and Ella Mae Sheppard;    brother, Louis Sheppard; grandparents, Isaac and Vivian Sheppard, Louis and Leanna   Mitchell; brother-in-love, Walter Burgan and sister-in-love, Brenda Holly Sheppard.

He is survived by his son, Rodney Sheppard (Akron, OH); his daughter, Dawn Sheppard (Hillsborough, NC); six grandchildren, Tanisha, William, Jamar, Darshawn Sheppard (all of Akron, OH), Rodney Sheppard (Columbus, OH); his five great grandchildren, Ryan Carr, Tristan and Troyce Sheppard, Brooklyn Miller and Devon Miller; his sisters, Vivian Burgan, Stella (William) Reynolds, Carolynda Dortch (all of Akron, OH); his brother, Theodore Sheppard (Atlanta, GA); special cousins, Ethel Watson (Jacksonville, FL) and Gerald Turner (Akron, OH); special friend/caregivers, Carrie and Angie Higginbottom, Tryphena Robinson and George Vinson Jr. (all of Akron, OH) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.