Howard Clifford Sheppard, Jr.

Howard Clifford “Cliff” Sheppard, Jr., a beloved community leader whose life was defined by family, faith, hard work and service, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on October 16, 2025. He was born on November 25, 1951, in Sandersville, Georgia, where he grew up and built a remarkable life. He was the son of the late Howard C. Sheppard Sr. and the late Barbara Holmes Sheppard.

A funeral service, celebrating Cliff's life, will be held on Monday, October 20th at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Sandersville, with burial following in Brownwood Cemetery. Reverend Lee Lacey, along with family members and friends, will officiate his service. Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Holmes, Tracy Giddens, Jamie Swint, Mike Rice, Kevin Harrison, Adam Lord, David Brooker and Rusty Rhodes. The Citizens Bank of the South Board of Directors, along with close friends, Jean and John Dickey, Christy and Dickey Shurling, Robin and Terry Jackson, Mark West, Kim and Ben Amerson and Nancy and Johnny Wagoner will all serve as honorary pallbearers. The Sheppard family will greet friends on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville.

A 1969 graduate of Washington County High School, Cliff attended Middle Georgia College, before graduating from Georgia Southwestern State University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. On April 27, 1974, Cliff married the love of his life, Diane Callaway, after meeting on a blind date arranged by their dear friends, Barbara and Mark West. Together, Cliff and Diane created a beautiful life and raised two sons, Howard Clifford Sheppard III (Trey) and Mitchell Scott Sheppard. After college, Cliff returned to Sandersville to work alongside his father, Howard Sheppard, Sr., founding C&H Farms—a Polled Hereford cattle operation that grew to include more than 2,000 head of cattle and became one of the largest in the nation. Through his dedication and excellence in the field, Cliff earned numerous honors, including the prestigious Grand National Champion award. In 1973, Cliff joined the family business, Howard Sheppard, Inc. His leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment were instrumental in the company's expansion. He became President in 1999, guiding the organization through decades of growth, diversification, and continued success.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Cliff was deeply devoted to his community. He began his service on the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank in 1982, serving as Chairman of the Board since 2005. He is also a longtime member of the Brentwood School Board of Directors, serving from 1988 and as Chairman from 1999 until 2025. Additionally, Cliff served on the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Board for 15 years, including three years as Chairman. Cliff had a lifelong passion for tennis and could often be found on the court whenever time allowed. He also cherished the outdoors, especially hunting trips shared with his sons, where lasting memories were made. A licensed pilot, Cliff found great joy in flying airplanes, one of his favorite pastimes. One of Cliff’s most beloved traditions was spending the Fourth of July on Hilton Head Island, with his sister Sharon and their families—a celebration honoring his father’s birthday that has endured for over three decades.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Dianne Callaway Sheppard; his sister, Sharon Ouzts and her husband Henry; his sons, Howard Clifford Sheppard III "Trey" and his wife Emily and Mitchell Scott Sheppard and his wife Brannen; and seven adored grandchildren: Howard Clifford Sheppard IV "Ford", Anne Marie Sheppard, Emerson Callaway Sheppard, Benjamin Jones Sheppard, Julia Pierce Sheppard, Mitchell Scott Sheppard, Jr., and Sims Callaway Sheppard. Cliff will be remembered for his faith, vision, leadership, and generosity, but most of all for the genuine love he shared with his family, community, and the employees of Howard Sheppard, Inc.

Donations in Cliff's memory may be made to Brentwood School, P.O. Box 955, Sandersville, GA. 31082 or to Broken Shackle Ranch, 1542 Frances Bridge Road, Davisboro, GA. 31018 or First Love Kids, P.O. Box 702, Sandersville, GA. 31082 or First Baptist Church of Sandersville, 316 Mathis Circle, Sandersville, GA. 31082.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.