Graveside services for Clarence A. Sheppard, age 84, of Opelika, will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Valley Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery and Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Sunday before services begin.

Mr. Sheppard passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama.

Survivors include: one daughter, Vickie Thrift of Opelika, AL; one son, Randy Sheppard (Debra) of Salem, AL; four grandchildren, Allen Garrett (Makayla) and Brittney Thrift (Shemuel Alexander), both of Opelika, AL, Jessica McVey (Jesse) of Lineville, AL, and Travis Owen of Wedowee; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Rush (David) of Cragford, AL, and Leatha Mae Sheppard of Wedowee, AL; and one brother, James Sheppard (Betty) of Roanoke, AL.

A Wedowee native, Mr. Sheppard was born on December 13, 1939, the son of Clifford and Leatha Grace Mulkey Sheppard.  He was Christian by faith and was retired from working in the cotton mills.  Mr. Sheppard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia Nelson Sheppard; stepson, Jeffrey Owen; son-in-law, Steve Thrift; and brothers, Amos Sheppard, Andy Sheppard, and Buddy Sheppard.

Memorials may be floral.