Raymond Shepard

Raymond Edward Shepard, 80, of Jenison, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on March 8, 2021. He was born on August 15, 1940 to the late Alberta (Tony) Polino and Raymond (June) Shepard. Ray was preceded in death by his son, Rick; sister, Louise Hause; and brother, Richard Hysell. Ray attended Central High School, class of '58 and attended Grand Rapids Junior College. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Wyoming, where he developed many lifelong friendships. He retired from both General Motors and Towne Aire Freight. Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. He was a huge UofM fan, loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events, play horseshoes, throw corn hole, judge Christmas cookie contests, and travel north on 'color' tours. Most of all, Ray was an active and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy. Together they have five children: Rick, Russ, Gwen (Dave) Luban, Ryan (Belinda), and Rob. Their children blessed them with sixteen grandchildren: Tara, Anthony, Alan, Mitchell (Krista), Dustan, Ben (Taylor), Nathan (Caitlinn), Nicole, Natasha, Nichole (Eric), and Shauna (Patrick). Even greater blessings came in the form of great-grandchildren: Kymber, Keirstyn, Kyleigh, Kaylyn, Mason, Cloe, Ryder, and Bryelle. Special niece and nephew, Deb and Rick. Ray also had several special in-laws: Margie Searl, Janet Washburn, Doug (Dorothy) Magnusen, Gary (Jean) Magnusen, and Val Hysell. There will be a Christian service and celebration of Ray's life to be held at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with the service at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gary Sinise R.I.S.E. (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) Veterans Foundation at: www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise/ Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond Shepard, please visit our flower store.