Rev. James Andrew Sheppard 1884-1957

Funeral Services For Andy Sheppard Held Last Saturday
Was Widely Known In Pulaski County As Baptist Minister

The Rev. Andy Sheppard, widely known Baptist minister, passed away at Waynesville General Hospital last Thursday. He had been in ill health for some time and had been a patient in the hospital the past two weeks.

“Andy” as Bro. Sheppard was affectionately known to his host of friends in this county, was one of the best known and best loved men in this community and besides serving as a minister as a minister and evangelist for over twenty-five years, he found time to partake in numerous civic affairs. He serves for a number of years as a member of the City Council of Waynesville. Truly the entire county will miss Bro. Sheppard.

JAMES ANDREW SHEPPARD

Rev. James Andrew Sheppard, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Sheppard, was born near Dixon, Missouri, June 27, 1884 and departed this life at the Waynesville General Hospital August 22, 1957 at the age of 73 years, 1 month, and 25 days.

On December 2, 1906, Andy was united in marriage to Ora Smith and for more than 51 years they had traveled happily together down life’s pathway. Though now separated by death for a short time, they have the assurance of meeting again in God’s kingdom.

About the year 1930 Bro. Sheppard was converted and united with the Gasconade Baptist Church. Very soon after he was saved the Lord called him to the ministry. In February 1931 he preached his first sermon in the Gasconade Church. From that time as long as health permitted he was very busily engaged in the work of his Lord as pastor, evangelist, and personal worker. He preached the Gospel in its simplicity and believed in a definite work of Grace as the only remedy for sin. A few years ago, he requested a brother preacher, Virgil Manes, that he should be living, he conduct his funeral when death came. He also suggested that Jobe 19:25, 26, and 27 be used as the scripture for the occasion. This alone is a testimony to the assurance he possessed in the Lord.

On June 14, 1955 he suffered two strokes which brought his pastorial work to a close. At that time he was pastor of two ___od half-time churches in the Pulaski County Baptist Association, Idumea and Mt. Gibson. Although handicapped by ill health for over two years, Bro. Andy never lost his zeal for the work of the Lord and bore testimony to the last.

About 17 days before his passing he requested to go to the tent revival at the Buckhorn Baptist Church and hear Rev. ___oley one time more. This request was granted and he attended his last service there where he had previously been pastor and accomplished a good work.

Though confident of his being home with the Lord in heaven, he leaves to mourn his passing the loving wife, Ora, of the home; one son, John Sheppard of Dixon; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Wyrick of San Diego, California, and Mrs. Virgie Kilty of __alipo, California; five nieces and four nephews. Bro. Sheppard was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and three brothers.

Besides the loved ones named above, he also leaves other relatives and many friends by which he will be sadly missed. Bro. Sheppard will also be missed by the Pulaski County Baptist Association and the churches thereof.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Buckhorn Baptist Church with Rev. Virgil Manes officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery under direction of Hedges Funeral Home, of Waynesville.

Pall bearers were Snowden Burnett, Aud Long, Floyd Hancock, Homer Lipscomb, James Burnett, and Dova George.

View Death Certificate