Joseph Eli Shephard III passed away on October 17, 2025. He was born on September 18, 1973, to Joseph Shephard, Jr. and Sherry (McCarley), in Lawton, Oklahoma. He spent most of his childhood running the fields of Kamay, Texas where his love of fishing began when he would scoop minnows from the creek. He graduated from Iowa Park High School in 1992 and went on to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. He would later transfer to Texas Tech University where he would earn his Bachelor of Business Administration Marketing in 2000.
In 2004, Joey met Amanda Ambrosius and her son, Braedyn. Joey instantly formed a special bond to him. In December of 2006, two days before his big brother’s birthday, Taylor was born. Life became all things boys. The days were filled with baseball, fishing, and cheering on the Red Raiders. Joey was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend whose kind heart and warm spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joey is survived by his children, Braedyn (Bub) Eicke of Weatherford and Taylor (Tate) Shephard of Willow Park; his mother, Sherry Underwood of Weatherford; and stepmother, Sandra Shephard of Howe. He is also survived by his sister, Candice Nettles and her husband, Sam of Cisco; brother, Matthew Shephard of Howe; his stepbrothers, Bobby Underwood, Jr. and Rick Underwood of Fort Worth; and stepsister, Tamara James of Euless.
He was a proud uncle to Brylee Nettles, Tyler Nettles, Cameron James, and Chandler James, all of whom loved him dearly and will carry his memory in their hearts.
Joey was preceded in death by his fathers, Joseph Shephard, Jr. and Bobby Underwood, Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Walter B. and Mary McCarley; and paternal grandparents, Joseph (Papaw) and Dorris (Magra) Shephard.
Joey will be remembered for his humor, loyalty, and his ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
A celebration of Joey’s life was held on October 23, 2025 at New River Fellowship in Hudson Oaks, followed by interment at Romney Cemetery in Romney.
Serving as pallbearers were Matthew Shephard, Ray Pearson, Cameron James, Chandler James, Jose Nunez, Chris Riley, Dan Paulsen, and Bryan “Little D” Clare.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Joseph Shephard Memorial Scholarship Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.
The Community News
October 31, 2025
