Bige Shepherd

Following his long and courageous battle with a terminal illness, Bige Shepherd of Franklin, Ky (formerly of Henderson, Ky); age 73, left his earthly home on December 28, 2023, at Hospice of Southern KY in Bowling Green, KY, to be with the Great Almighty Healer.

Bige was a loving, as well as beloved, husband, father, brother and papaw, who was devoted to his family. He will be remembered by his family for his strength and determination. He was a devoted follower of Christ. He faithfully attended Franklin Church of Christ, Franklin, KY.

He worked 43 years as an underground coal miner. He spent most of his career with Peabody Coal Company (Highland Coal Company), in Morganfield, Ky.  His hobbies included spending time with family, especially
his 4 grandchildren who were the highlight of his life, going to the beach, and watching Kentucky basketball and wrestling.

Bige was preceded in death by his parents the late Elisha Shepherd and the late Rebecca (Feltner) Shepherd. Also preceded in death by brothers: Larry Joe Shepherd, John Shepherd, Claude Julius Shepherd; sisters: Thelma Smith and Sirelda Ann Shepherd.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 1, 2024 at the Franklin Church ofChrist located at 700 South Main St. Franklin, KY 42134 from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Funeral services will be held the same day, January 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Franklin Church of Christ. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Locust Grove Cemetery located at 83 Locust Grove Cemetery Rd. London, KY 40737.

He is survived by his spouse of 47 years, Carolyn (Mitchell) Shepherd; 3 children, Melissa Nicole Eaton Farley (Franklin) of Blue Ridge, GA, Mary Carol Shepherd Coon (Edward) of White House, TN, Darrick Bige Shepherd
(Kathryn) of Goodlettsville, TN; 4 grandchildren, Evan Shepherd, Marlena Coon, Elijah Coon, Emersyn Shepherd; 3 brothers, Marcus Shepherd, Morganfield, KY, Alvin Shepherd of Corbin, KY, Roger Shepherd of Hendersonville, TN; a sister, Wilma Wooten of Corbin, KY; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Franklin Church of Christ in memory of Bige Shepherd. Envelopes will be provided at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. The website  is www.gilbertfhonline.com. The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.