Mr. Roger Shepherd

Roger Elliot Shepherd, born June 29, 1951, in Chattanooga, TN, to Milton L. Shepherd and Nannie Goss Shepherd, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 10, 2026. Growing up, Roger loved being the center of attention with his natural wit and storytelling. To some, he was known as Roger; to others, as “Sheepdog.” If you knew Roger, he liked to fish with his son, played golf, and worked on house projects that he started but often never finished. He always told the story about how he rode in Samuel L. Jackson’s Grand Prix, letting us know that he actually knew a celebrity. In his later years, he coached a youth baseball team called The Brewers with his brother-in-law, Bill. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Wanda, on July 31, 1972, whom he would call his “Blue Light Special Girl” for the next 54 years. Together they raised three loving children, Derrick, Dawn, and Danitra. Roger loved and spoiled each of them in their own special ways. Roger accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend William A. Dennis. He served the church in many roles, including on the Trustee Board, Finance Committee, and Usher Ministry. Always willing to help, he even drove the church bus so others could attend worship services. In recognition of his steadfast faith and commitment, Roger was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of Reverend Harold K. Lester. He leaves a beautiful legacy of faithful service as a dedicated and devoted servant who walked faithfully in his calling until illness befell him and his wife. Roger was a proud graduate of Riverside High School, class of 1969. After graduation, he began a dedicated career with U.S. Pipe and Foundry, where he worked diligently for many years as a General Foreman before retiring. He is preceded in death by his father, Milton L. Shepherd; son, Derrick D. Shepherd; grandparents, Reverend and Mrs. Eugene and Maggie Goss, Deacon and Mrs. Samuel and Willana Shepherd; nephews, Billy Ray Elliott Jr., Tjuan Elliott, and longtime childhood friend Lloyd Sanderfur. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Wanda Elliott Shepherd; devoted daughters, Dawn L. (Marlon) Turney and Danitra Y. Shepherd; mother, Nannie Goss Shepherd; brother, Ronald L. (Sheila) Shepherd; sisters, Deborah L. Shepherd and Barbara L. Shepherd, all of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Jazzmin Hall, Aria and Derrick Shepherd II, Makiya, Liyah and Mason Turney; aunt, Blanche Sneed of Hendersonville, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Stephnia Shepherd; brother-in-law, Billy (Cathondra) Elliott, and a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Roger will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held for Roger on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation starts at 12:30 p.m. at Orchard Knob Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Rodney T. Morton, Eulogist and Reverend William Washington, Officiant.

Mr. Roger Shepherd

June 29, 1951 - July 10, 2026