Walter Artimus Shepherd

Walter Artimus Shepherd, 71, of Plantersville (Drew County), Arkansas died on August 15, 2016. He was born January 4, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to the late James Artimus Shepherd and Nell Henderson Shepherd. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Rita Shepherd who passed away September 15, 2015. Surviving him are brothers, Harold Miller of Houston, Texas and James "Jamie" Richard Shepherd, of Plantersville and sisters Helen Ruth Miller Nicholson of Houston, Texas and Sandra Shepherd Harper of Star City, Arkansas. Also surviving him is son Steven Shepherd and wife Sarah of Conway, Arkansas, and three step-children: Lee Green-Hall of Norman, Oklahoma; Phillip Green and wife Amy of Star City; and Lisa Hunt and husband David of Arkadelphia; eight grandchildren; Danielle Green of Fayetteville, Carissa Stricklin (David), Brandon, Ashten, & Ayden Green of Star City, Sarah Hunt (fiance' Randy Shepard) of Fayetteville, Brian Hunt (Claudia) of Durham, N.C., Jessaca Shepherd of Monticello, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Jessaca's mother, Yukiko (Ken) Bivens of Monticello, who he considered a daughter. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that loved him. He was a graduate of Star City High School, attended Arkansas A&M in Monticello, was a member of Rock Springs United Methodist Church and was a member of the Arkansas Cattlemens Association. He served his country during the Persian Gulf War from 1990-1991, as a member of the 1122nd Transportation Company, transporting soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. His unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation, driving nearly 1 million miles in 7 months. He retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1992, after serving 26 years in the Guard. He also retired in 1999 after 18 years, as a procurement forester from Price Lumber Company in Monticello, and more recently raised chickens and cattle at Shepherd Farms with his brother, Jamie. He loved his family, friends and just being on the farm. Visitation will be Friday, August 19th from 1 p.m. to 3:00PM at Griffin Funeral Service in Star City, directly followed by funeral services at 3 p.m. with Bro. Hardy Peacock officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons Brian Hunt and Brandon Green and nephews Donny Shepherd, Paul Shepherd, Michael Shepherd and Matt Shepherd. Burial will be at Rock Springs Cemetery in Drew County. Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Cemetery Fund or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.