William "Warren" Shepherd, 87 of Columbus, MS passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023, at his residence.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS.  A graveside service will be Monday, March 13, at 2:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Bro. Tommy Gillon officiating.   Lowndes Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Shepherd was born on September 8, 1935 in Noxubee County, MS to the late Rufus and Martha Lockler Shepherd.  He was a member of the United States Army from 1957-1961.  Mr. Shepherd learned his tool-making skills at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL, where he also received his Master Tool and Die Certificate.  Later, he worked at American Bosch until he opened his own business, Columbus Tool and Gage, which later became known as S&S Precision Tools.  After his retirement, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, as well as gardening, and spending time outside.  Also, he loved volunteering at Fairview Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling with the 55+ group from the church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Shepherd is preceded in death by his son – Billy Shepherd; brothers – R.H. Shepherd, Herbert Shepherd, Thomas Shepherd, Waldo Shepherd, George Shepherd, and John Shepherd; and sisters – Clarice Rhodes, Helen McKinney, and Evelyn Goodson.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years – Jackie Godfrey Shepherd; children – Patricia Shepherd Kibe, Karen Shepherd Cole, Debbie Shepherd (David) Williams, Kenny (Robin) Shepherd, and Amy Shepherd (Jon) Cummins; stepson – Steve Malone; grandchildren – Destiny Howton (Joey) Acosta, Sophia Kibe, Mitchell Howton, Stephanie Malone (Matt) Corey, Dalton (Shelly) Malone, Reagan Malone, Emily Shepherd, Garrett Cummins, Carter Cummins, Liz Williams, Zach Williams, Cooper Shepherd, and Chloe Cummins; and great-grandchildren – Lilly and Luke Corey, Aaliyah Acosta, Collin and Tyler Malone, and Talyn Parks.

Pallbearers will be Mitchell Howton, Dalton Malone, Garrett Cummins, Carter Cummins, Zach Williams, Cooper Shepherd, and Ian Wright.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairview Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministry, 127 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.