William Harold Sheppard of Poyen, Ark., was born Oct. 28, 1923, in Poyen the son of Ada Matthews Sheppard and William Archie Sheppard. He passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock at the age of 84.

He was a Decorated Veteran of Iwo Jima in the Marine Corp during World War II. 

He was a 32nd degree Mason moving on to the Shriners. He retired from Alcoa after 34 years of service. His favorite pastime was working in his garden and sharing his vegetables with everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Velma Elois Miller Sheppard and one brother, William Arnold Sheppard.

Survivors include his three daughters, Carolyn Paul O’Such and husband, Michael of Bald Knob, Ark., Kathey Herndon and husband, Dannie of Sheridan, Ark., and Tammie Gray and husband, Ronnie of Poyen, Ark.; eight grandchildren, Greg Paul, Deanna Buchanan and husband, Tony, Tina Masters and husband, Josh, Tracy Paul and wife, Tina, Amanda Gray and husband, CB, Catherine Applegarth and husband, Larry, Timmy Paul and wife, Tammy, Deborah Bernal and husband, Robert, and children and eight great-grandchildren, Jeffrey Herndon, Brady Buchanan, Kaydence and Emma Paul, Jack and Jayden Masters, Jordan Pauley and Baby Applegarth.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2008, in the Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Don Goodman officiating and with full Masonic rites.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today, at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery with military honors by V.F.W. Post 2278.

Pallbearers are Greg Paul, Butch Ballard, Larry Ballard, Jerry Ballard, Scottie Hicks and Doyle Sheppard. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Masonic Lodge Bethlehem #338 of Lono.

Arrangements are under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Ark. (501)332-2711. You may sign the guestbook at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.