Roy Maddox Shepherd of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away November 22, 2025. Born October 3, 1946, his parents were Roger David Shepherd and Virginia Lee Maddox Shepherd. 

Roy graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1964 and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He received an honorable medical discharge and returned home where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Arkansas State University. After college, Roy taught history, farmed, and managed his family’s farm in Poinsett County. Roy had a passion for fishing and hunting. He had a fishing pole in his truck, ready to catch a fish anywhere. He loved to hunt deer and ducks, especially spending time with his black labs and friends. Roy was a talented baseball player in his youth. He enjoyed playing golf and attending football and basketball games at ASU or when the Dallas Cowboys played. Roy devoted much of his time to his family. He accompanied his young grandchildren on trips to Florida, Bahamas, cruises, and at the lake. He was a caregiver for his uncle, Judge Edward Maddox. During his last twenty years, Roy was fortunate to travel with his loving and devoted wife, Cyndy Sloan Shepherd. They spent time each winter in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. On a notable trip, the couple embarked on a two-month cruise in 2015 where they circumnavigated the globe. An avid supporter of the arts, Roy enjoyed performances at the Orpheum Theatre, The Forum, and the Fowler Center, especially the Delta Symphony Orchestra. He had a passion for gardening, planting herbs and flowers on his deck and admiring their beauty and growth. He also spent time in his workshop. He enjoyed going to the horse tracks and casinos were where he was the happiest, especially when winning.

 Roy was preceded in death by his father, Roger David Shepherd, and recently, his mother, Virginia Lee Maddox Shepherd. 

He is survived by his wife, Cyndy Sloan Shepherd and her children, Caroline Bednar and David Bednar; daughter, Cynthia Lee “Cindy” Shepherd; grandchildren, Joel Harrison Scott and Trey Jackson Scott (Samantha); great-grandchildren, Lillian Izabella “Izze” Scott, Rhys McGee Scott, and Maximus “Max” Jackson Scott; sister, Melissa Shepherd Malone; niece, Claire Sterling Edwards (Timothy) and son Samuel Wade Edwards; cousin, Rosemary Sullivant (David Plane), as well as relatives and friends.

 There will be a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the following charities: Northeast Arkansas Food Bank, NEA Humane Society, Salvation Army, Special Olympics.