James Earlie Shepherd Sr., 85, of Franklin NC, passed away on Friday August 8, 2025.

James was born in Macon County to the late James Clark and Myrtle Holden Shepherd. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Nell Shepherd; and son, James "Jamie" Shepherd. He was owner/operator of Shepherd Heating and Air for over 20 years and served many families in Macon County. He was a member of Tellico Baptist Church but attended Liberty Baptist Church. He loved coon and bear hunting with his children/grandchildren, mowing, chopping wood, wrestling, and was a great storyteller. He was not afraid of work and worked hard all his life. He will be missed by his family and his dog, Snoopy, whom he loved very much.

He is survived by his children, Dianne Brooks (Raymond), Paula "Crystal" Nix (Owen), Shane Shepherd, Richard "Kent" Shepherd (Betsy); siblings, Betty Jo Robinson, Shirley Emmons, Vaughn Shepherd, Lois Sims, Lonnie Shepherd (Becky), Marvin Shepherd (Maryann); nineteen grandchildren; Angie, Lee, Philip, Andrew, Andrea, Hope, Gracie, Kayla, Kaleb, Matthew, Josh, Sam, Jonathan, Adam, MaryAnna, Sarah, Brent, Grant and Brandon and several great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 11th from 12-2pm at Macon Funeral Home. Service will be held at 2pm in the Chapel. Burial will be in Tellico Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Davis Hooper and Pastor Lee Brooks will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Russell Hawkins, Matthew Pruitt, Jonathan Shepherd, Brandon Webb, Brent Shepherd, Steven McNally, Andrew Brooks, and Phillips Brooks.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.