Royce Shepherd

Royce Rujell Shepherd, 89, of Sheridan, Arkansas, died December 13, 2021, after a brief but fierce struggle against Alzheimer’s disease. Although his final months were filled with immeasurable suffering, those who were fortunate enough to know him remember a man of steadfast integrity with a razor-sharp wit and mischievous spirit who showed unfailing kindness throughout his life toward every one of God’s creatures.

Royce was born December 31, 1931, in Geyer Springs, Arkansas to Frank Rujell Shepherd and Alice (Biehslich) Shepherd. He joined the United States Navy in 1951 and proudly served in the VP-19 squadron as a plane captain for P2V Neptunes, with deployments to NAS Barbers Point, NAS Agana, and NAS Atsugi. On June 17, 1955, Royce married Carolyn Finkbeiner, his lifelong sweetheart and business partner. Royce and Carolyn relocated to Marietta, Georgia, where Royce worked for Lockheed Corporation as a C-130 mechanic. In 1958, they returned to Little Rock and spent the next thirteen years running Sweden Creme drive-in and saving enough money to buy a farm. During this time, Royce built his first home on Mabelvale Pike, the first of many structures he would build in his lifetime. In 1968, he and Carolyn purchased a homestead in Sheridan and began raising Charolais cattle while continuing to operate Sweden Creme. They left the drive-in business in 1972, permanently relocating to Sheridan. After just four years, they were recognized as the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year for outstanding work on their farm and in their community. Royce’s distinguished record of community service includes serving as board member and President of Grant County Farm Bureau, board member and Director of the Grant County Soil Conservation District, and charter board member of the Calvert Township Fire Department Board. But Royce always had to stay busy, so in addition to his cattle farm and community involvement, he started Winterpine Tree Farm. From 1983-2000, folks would come from all around to cut their own Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress Christmas trees. And in 1986, he incorporated Shepherd Builders, a new construction business that he ran with his son, Robert. Together they built homes, churches, and businesses throughout Arkansas. Nearly everything they built together stands today—a lasting testament to their partnership and the quality of their work.

Royce’s success would not have been possible without the dedication and support of his wife and children—and later, his grandchildren—who spent decades working alongside him. His work made it difficult to travel, and vacations were scarce until later in life. But Royce would find fun in any situation. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding motorcycles and horses. In the summers he’d take the family boating and water skiing, an activity he enjoyed into his late seventies. And during particularly cold winters, he’d “skate” across frozen ponds with his feet wrapped in bread bags. Yet his greatest enjoyment in life came in caring for animals. Injured livestock, scared rabbits, baby deer, wounded birds, and stray cats and dogs all knew they would find a friend in Royce, and he relished the companionship of all the creatures who put their trust in him, both animal and human. With his passing, the world has lost one of its kindest souls.

Royce is survived by his wife, Carolyn Shepherd; his two children: Robert (Valerie) Shepherd and Dianna (Joe Lynn) Waddle, both of Sheridan; five grandchildren: Jessica Waddle (Jonathan Weldon), Courtney Scott, Eric (Jena) Shepherd, Lindsey (Aaron) Hughes, and Nick (Katie) Shepherd; six great-children: Gabriel and Lydia Scott, Callie Hughes, Sadie and Jack Shepherd, and Alice Weldon; his sister, Loretta Shepherd of Mabelvale; his cousin, Geneva Rogers of Alexander; and his lifelong friend, David Kerr of Mabelvale.

A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas, on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Royce’s name to either the First Landmark Building Fund, c/o Sherry Gatlin, 402 W. Center Street, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150, or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Shepherd family.