Richard Alvin Shepherd, age 81, of Selma, NC, and formerly of Roxboro, NC, passed away Wednesday morning, March 25, 2026, at Pam Specialty Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC. Born September 14, 1944, in Person County, NC, he was a son of the late Joseph Eddie & Lila Epps Shepherd. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou Penny Shepherd. He retired from the construction industry as a delivery driver and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Richard was the youngest and last of ten children. He graduated from High Plains School in the class of 1962 and was a member of the Sappony Tribe.

Surviving are two children, Lynn Godwin (Diane), Laura Godwin Grady (Lawrence), five grandchildren, Stephanie Peacock, Noah Grady, Jordan Barnes, Baleigh Godwin, William Godwin, four great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Clara Shepherd, Orene Shepherd, Phyllis Shepherd, Mary Shepherd, Sandy Shepherd, Joan Braswell (Herman), twenty-eight nieces & nephews, his beloved cat, Baby, and special friends, Jeff & Dena Stewart, and Russell Creech.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Shepherd is preceded in death by eight brothers, Joe Bill, Moses, Jimmy, Harold, Keith, Noel, Cecil, and Arthur Shepherd; sister, Lila Smith; sisters-in-law, Alice Shepherd, Mary Shepherd, and Cleo Shepherd.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the chapel at Parrish Funeral Home with Pastor and nephew Arthur Shepherd officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Parrish Funeral Home.