Artis Clyde Sheppard

Artis Clyde Sheppard age 74, of Grand Prairie, TX passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday June 2, 2024, at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.  Artis Clyde Sheppard was born in Vivian, LA on September 3, 1949. He was one of eighteen children shared by the late Luther and Irene Sheppard. Artis was educated in the North Caddo Parish school system in Louisiana.

At an early age Artis's ambition and stern personality led to his employment as a foreman, car salesman and a high demand repossession agent for local dealerships in East Texas.  It was while working these jobs in which he met the love of his life and wife Kathie in Atlanta, TX.  Artis and Kathie were married, and, in this union, they shared 10 children. His love for Kathie's home- cooking inspired a partnership with the local game- room owner where the entire family learned business skills.  As a father, Artis encouraged hard work and education in his children. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, playing card games, and dominos with his friends. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Later on in life, he gave his life to Christ, and was under the leadership of Pastor Kelvin Simpson of New Starlight Baptist Church in Camden, AR.

Artis is preceded in death by his parents, Luther Sheppard and Irene Sheppard. Four sisters: Barbara Sheppard, Thelma Castleberry; Era Sheppard and Vera Love. Five brothers: Clarence Sheppard; Levy Sheppard; Robert Sheppard; Hulon Sheppard and Buford Sheppard.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife Kathie L. Sheppard of Grand Prairie, TX; Four sons, Artis C. Stewart "Jr." of Vivian, LA; Artis D. Sheppard of (Texarkana, TX); LaVartist Clyde Sheppard of Grand Prairie, TX; and Brenton Burns (Sherrie) of Dallas, TX. Six daughters: Angela Sheppard of Dallas, TX; Rosiland Sheppard of Grand Prairie, TX; Dr. Alisa Simpson (Pastor Kelvin) of Camden, AR; LaGretta Edwards of Duncanville, TX; LaCarsha Burns of Starkville, MS; and stepdaughter Shakeitha Chiles (Anthony) of Dallas, TX. Eight sisters, Lorene Cole (Houston, TX); Donnie Miller, Dorthy Sheppard; Yvonne Nelson all of (Oil-City, LA), Myrtle Williams (Richard); Clora Jean Carroll; Margie York and Essie Brittentine (James) all of Vivian, LA. Twenty-four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.