Rex Douglas Sheppard

Friday, April 19, 1940 - Monday, October 23, 2023

In Loving Memory

Photo of Rex Douglas Sheppard - 1940-2023

Rex Douglas Sheppard of Canton,  passed away on October 23, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 19, 1940, in Canton, NC.  Mr. Sheppard had been employed as a truck driver and was also a small business owner.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, and cross-country travel with his family and friends.  Rex was a born-again Christian and faithful member of Long Branch Baptist Church, where he served as Choir Director, Deacon, and Church Trustee, and was a member of the Gideons International.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vaughn Talmadge Sheppard, and his mother Laura Belle Carpenter; a daughter Julie Sheppard; a granddaughter Angel Smathers; brothers, Bobby Sheppard and William Sheppard his wife Judy; and a sister, Carolyn Sheppard Garner and her husband Horace.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 64 years, Carolyn Marie Trull; four daughters, Cheryl Scott (Dewayne), Denise Sheppard (Tim McGinnis), Vickie Thomas (David), and Elyca Sheppard of the home; a brother, Harold Sheppard (Brenda); Sister-in-Law Shirley Sheppard; grandchildren, Jared Morgan (Stephanie), Jess Scott (Stephanie), Austin Morgan (Meggan), Cortney Dockins (Ben), Chelsea Scott, Toss Smathers, Taylor Mease (Hunter), Ben Smathers, Nelsie Smathers, and MaryJane Smathers; great-grandchildren Josie, Jacob, Mackenzie, Ross, Braxton, Sawyer, Paislee, AJ, and Declan; many nieces, nephews, and friends, including special friends, Levi Henson & Heath Smathers as well as many others.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideons International Haywood East Camp, PO Box 1204, Canton, NC  28716

A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Long Branch Baptist Church, 35 Homestead Trail, Canton, NC  28716. Officiating will be Reverend Shanne Baker.  

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Sheppard family.

Condolences from family and friends

I am so sorry for your loss. When my daughter was little she was in foster care for a period of time Rex and Carolyn took excellent care of my daughter Grace in their home. Now my daughter Grace is back home with me as a single mom and God is always working in our lives. He protected my daughter as well from her abusive father. God works in awesome ways. Rex was a good hearted man. Carolyn all the best to you. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless and rest in peace.
Dolly Arnold
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Rex was a great man and friend. He will be greatly missed by everyone that he has met through the years.
Daffety Ledford
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
We loved Rex. We will always remember His kind heart. His songs. His special song. Smile awhile give give your face a rest. Raise your hands to the one you love the best. Shake hands with ones near by. Great them with a smile. Smile Awhile Rex Sheppard we love you.
Jerry and Cathey Thomason
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Carolyn and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Always remember the good times and cherish them always.
Jan Elkins Hart
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
I’m truly sorry, for your loss. He was alway kind to me.
Matthew Holland
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Sending love and my sincere sympathy to you, Carolyn and all the kids, grandkids and extended members. You both have been like family for many years. We watched our chidren grow up together. Rex was a good man and I know his heavenly reunion had to something really special. Im keeping nyou all in my thoughts and prayers please don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Love you
Dawn Worley Hyatt
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Denise and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I know you have many good memories to cling to.
Tina Chambers McCall
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Loved running into him at Ingles. Always a kind word to say. Prayers are with you Carolyn and your family.
Carol & Danny Buckner
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
May God bless you during this time. Rex and Carolyn was always so good to us. We loved Rex and know he is celebrating in heaven! Jeremiah, Sharon and Jesse Mull
Sharon Mull
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
I know it is a great loss for you and your family, but look what he has gained. I thought a lot of him and you.
Ronnie Lester
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Carolyn & all family & friends, I just read of Rex's passing. I'm glad to have crossed paths with Rex's & several of his family members. In just a couple of minutes of being around Rex you knew that he loved the Lord. I'll be praying for peace & comfort for all the family. Love in Christ Ronda & Barry McFalls
Ronda McFalls
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
So sorry for your loss, Rex was a fine man and will be missed.
Danny Baker
posted Monday, October 23, 2023
Sorry for your lost ms Carolyn you and Rex was the best foster parents I ever had I remember every time I came in from school he would always say howdy do and asked how your day was not only that he was a good person he was a father to 3 kids and a papaw I aways thought of Rex as a papaw he will be missed I will keep you guys in prayer love Angelia ❤️
Angelia Earley
posted Monday, October 23, 2023