William Edward Shepard, Sr. was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina to Isiah Shepard and Mary Bauknight Shepard. Affectionately known as "Bill," he peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Davie Health & Rehab.

Bill retired from PTI Airport, where he worked faithfully as a cargo supervisor. He was widely known for his exceptional cooking talents and his successful catering business, Bill Shepard Catering, through which he served countless families and friends with love. As a devoted member of Union Baptist Church, he sang in the choir and joyfully served on the kitchen committee. Bill lived a life of service, faith and dedication, and now he has finished his race and fought a good fight.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carolyn M. Shepard; his son, William E. Shepard, Jr.; his brother, Leroy Shepard; and three sisters: Barbara Ferrell, Ann Waters and Janet Perry.

He leaves to cherish his memory one brother, James Jimmy Shepard; seven sons: Ronald (Bawanna) Shepard, Billy Wayne (San) Hargrave, Andre Shepard, William "Abbey" Shepard, Jr., Norris (LeRhonda) Shepard, Ronald (Barbara) Hargrave and Steven Rankin; two daughters:  Beverly (Carl) Craven and Sherri (Aaron) Rushing; and two devoted daughters-in-law, Teresa Shepard and Gwenetta Hargrave. He is also survived by 42 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren, a special niece, Dr. Dionne Michelle Colbert and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 5, at 306 Fairway Drive, Lexington, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, with family visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Public viewing will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Service, Lexington.