Rodney J. Shepherd

Rodney J. Shepherd, 49, of Connersville, died Saturday, November 14, 2015, at his residence. A Connersville native, Rodney was born July 14, 1966 to Austin Joseph and Betty Faye Gorby Shepherd and graduated from high school in 1985 from Connersville Christian Academy. He had been employed at Stant Manufacturing and was a member of Growing Branches for Christ where he had served as the sergeant of arms of the motorcycle ministry. Rodney was an avid biker and enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing, working on cars and membership in the Indiana 4-Wheelers. He cherished most the time he spent with his granddaughter. Rodney is survived by his daughter: Paula Shepherd of Connersville; his granddaughter: Charizma Lee Watson; his mother: Betty Shepherd of New Castle; his siblings and their spouses: Michael Joseph Shepherd and Jane of Brownsburg; Charles Earl Shepherd and Diane of Williamsburg, Virginia; Beverly Lynn McGuire and Curt of Connersville; his extended brothers: Jim Burns, John Burns, Les Becraft and Shane Rigor, all of Connersville; several nieces and nephews. Rodney was preceded in death by his Father and his former wife: Kimberly Shepherd. Memorial services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Growing Branches for Christ Church, 3674 Western Avenue, Connersville, with Pastor Leonard Cranfill officiating. Friends may visit at the church from 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of service where memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Diabetes Support Group. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements.