Jonathan Ray Shepherd

Jonathan Ray Shepherd, age 49, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer, successfully completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 at 10:45 A.M., submitting his address change from Dot Street in Richlands, Virginia to Hallelujah Square in Paradise, Heaven. Jonathan was born in Richlands on February 14th, 1974, the first-born son of Arnold Ray Shepherd and Georgia Mae Ray Shepherd. A life-long resident of Richlands, he graduated from the Richlands Tabernacle Christian Academy in 1992 and attended Southwest Virginia Community College. After graduation, he worked at Heilig-Meyers Furniture Company. He also worked at Bristol Compressors, Lear Corporation in Lebanon, Virginia as a Thermo Plastic Engineer. Most recently, Jonathan was a correctional officer at Keen Mountain Correctional Center at Keen Mountain, Virginia for sixteen years. He married the love of his life, Tina Lynn Shelton, on October 6, 2001. To this union was born one son, Ashton Dylan Shepherd. Jonathan loved traveling with his wife and son, enjoying all of God’s beautiful creation. Some of his favorite pleasures were going to the beaches of South Carolina, traveling through the state of Georgia—where he said he would love to live, as well as fishing on Big Tumbling Creek in Washington County, Virginia. Jonathan was the true definition of a chef, preparing such wonderful delicacies that only he could master. He loved good food and was always willing to try new dishes but was especially fond of crab legs and other seafoods. He enjoyed birdwatching and loved to sing Gospel songs. Jonathan was a member of the Richlands Tabernacle where he loved to attend and worship his Savior. Even in his weakened condition over the past few months, he didn’t want to miss church. He was so excited when his friends came and had church in his home last Friday evening. The service climaxed with Jonathan lying in his hospital bed singing “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down.” He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Ray Shepherd; his paternal grandparents, Graham Arnold Shepherd and Ollie Mae Johnson Shepherd; his maternal grandparents, Lee Henry Ray and Virgie Ethel Blankenship Ray; his brother-in-law, Jonathan Carl Shelton. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Tina Shepherd; one son, Ashton Dylan Shepherd; his mother, Georgia Mae Shepherd of Richlands; one brother, Joseph Wayne Shepherd (Jennifer) of Bandy, Virginia; brother-in-law, Joshua Seth Shelton (Amanda) of Grundy; three special nieces that he dearly loved, Chloe, Cora and Cara Shelton; and his in-laws, Jackie Luther Shelton and Patsy Louise Crabtree Shelton of Richlands. He is also survived by several uncles, aunts, cousins; and a host of family and friends. Special thanks to the Oncology Departments of Clinch Valley Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in North Carolina, Dr. Twadros, Dr. McVey and Dr. McCormick, the nursing staff at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Carillion Home Care in Tazewell, Virginia whom he considered family and to Legacy Palliative and Hospice Care. Funeral services for Jonathan Ray Shepherd will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at the Richlands Tabernacle Church in Richlands, VA with Rev. Roger Boyd, Rev. Don Smith, and Rev. James Vance officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum, at Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers will be Zach Estep, Jamie Lint, Nathan Justice, Brian Mitchell, Joshua Shelton, J.D. Horton, Jason Shepherd, and Michael Paul Shepherd. Honorary pallbearers will be Men of the Richlands Tabernacle Church and Keen Mountain Corrections Officers. The Shepherd family will receive friends from 6-9 pm on Saturday evening at the church. The Keen Mountain Correctional Center Honor Guard will conduct special rites. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Jonathan Ray Shepherd

February 14, 1974 - December 5, 2023