John Clay Shepherd, 85, from Irvine, Kentucky passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at home with his family after a long illness.
He was born May 12, 1940, in Irvine, Kentucky and was the son of the late Mildred and Letcher Shepherd.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Lou Gray Shepherd. He had two loving daughters, Jonnell Shepherd-Whitson (Mark) of Doylestown, PA, and Paula Barnes Dickens (Brian) of Danville. Four loving grandchildren, Annie Elizabeth Whitson, Austin John Whitson, Kerr Barnes Beebe and Ross Stevenson Beebe. He is also survived by one sister, Susan Shepherd, and 2 nephews, David McGuire and Roger Clay Riddell.
He was a member of the First Christian Church and retired from BB&T Bank as Executive VP. He was a water commissioner for 40 years. He also served on the Estill County Fair Board, Bluegrass Area Development, and the Kentucky State Legislative Committee.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, October 17, 12 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Greg Humpert officiating. Burial will be at the West Irvine Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday 6 to 9 PM.
Pallbearers will be Mark Whitson, Austin John Whitson, Annie Whitson, Kerr Beebe, Ross Beebe, and Bill Arthur.
Honorary Pallbearers: Bee Williams, Donald “Boozy” Tipton
