CANISTEO: Pastor William E. “Bill” Shepherd, went to be with his Savior and Lord on June 7, 2018 at 71 years of age.
Bill was born June 17, 1946 in Gardiner, Maine to the late Merle and Geraldine (Stone) Shepherd. 51 years ago, on September 17, 1966 in Castile, N.Y. he married the former Kathleen Mullen. She survives and resides in the town of Canisteo.
Bill earned his Pastoral certification from Elohim Bible Institution in Castile, N.Y. and was ordained in the Frewsburg Baptist Church. For a total of forty years Bill ministered in various churches, to include the Bennetts Creek Bible Church, the Frewsburg Baptist Church, West Jackson Baptist Church in Millerton, Pa. and retiring from the Ogdensburg Church of Christ in Roaring Branch, Pa. When not pastoring, Bill enjoyed many aspects of woodworking. He also enjoyed the company of his family and friends and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Bill will be remembered for a pleasant smile accompanied by a great sense of humor that never stopped short of a good prank. He is now in God’s hands and finished faithful.
In addition to his wife Kathleen, Bill is survived by his three children, Julie (David) Kennedy of Lansford, Pa. Christine Shepherd of Roaring Branch, Pa. and David Shepherd of Canisteo. 18 grandchildren, Seth Colony (Vendela), Kimberly Jennings, Kaylee Colony, Thomas, John and Hannah Guindon, Austin Guindon (Casey), Shayla Bellows, Shanay, Danay, Titania and Merle Shepherd, Ceaira Escalante (Justin), Ceairsta Citro (Corey), Richard, Chylesa and Channa Swartley, and Skyelynn Benning. 11 great grandchildren, Lorelei, Lunarai, Lucianna and Laylani Escalante, Mason Swartley, Javelisse and Josian Wilson, Colton and Gavin Jennings, Piper Colony, Nolan and Layla Schrader and Emmett Moyer.
Bill is also survived by four brothers, George, Roxy, Gerome and Michael Perry all of Maine. He was predeceased by five brothers, Charles, Ralph and Jeffrey Perry, Wallace and Richard Shepherd.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm Monday (June 11, 2018) at the Bennetts Creek Bible Church, State Route 248 Canisteo, where funeral and committal services will take place immediately following calling hours at 3:00 PM with Pastor Brendon Clancey and Rev. Douglas Hodges officiating. Burial will be in Bennetts Creek Cemetery in the town of Greenwood.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to either the Bennetts Creek Bible Church, State Route 248, Canisteo, N.Y. 14823 or to Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Rd. Boone, N.C. 28607.
Funeral arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.
Online condolences and memories may be shared through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.
