Randy Shepherd

randy shepherd

August 19, 1964 ~ September 19, 2024

Born in: Asheville, NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

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**IMPORTANT*  Due to the continued extreme area conditions, the service for Randy has been postponed again. It will NOT be Sunday, October 7. New arrangements will be posted here as soon as they are available.

The church service will be livestreamed at tbc.live.

Randy Shepherd, 60, of Asheville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Mission Health Hospital. Randy was born in Asheville, NC. He was preceded in death by his father, Delyn Shepherd and is survived by his mother, Betty Shepherd. He was the youngest of five children and is also survived by his four siblings, Rex Shepherd and wife Kim, Linda Vonette Shepherd, Gay Shepherd and Toni Dillingham.

Randy was a 1982 graduate of Asheville High School where he was a standout athlete in basketball and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Randy went on to attend and play basketball at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, 1982-1987. Following graduation, Randy joined the basketball ministry Spirit Express in Memphis, Tennessee. He served with Spirit Express from 1988-1992. In 1993, Randy along with Jamie Johnson, co-founded Crossfire Ministries, based in Asheville, NC. In 2016, Randy and Jamie received the prestigious Naismith Legacy Award for their work in the game of basketball.

Randy was blessed to share the gospel around the world in 68 countries and 45 states. Anyone who knew Randy was aware of his compassion for the lost. Many considered Randy to be much like the Apostle Paul because of his heart-felt boldness to share the “Good News of Jesus Christ” with the world around him. Crossfire will miss Randy but Randy’s co-founding teammate Jamie and those who serve with the ministry will continue sharing Christ for many years to come.

If you choose to give a memorial gift, the family requests that you consider giving to Crossfire Ministries, 22 C New Leicester Hwy, PMB 145, Asheville, NC 28806 or donations can be made online at Crossfireministry.com

Jesus said: I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. John 14:6

Services

Gathering of Friends & Family: October 6, 2024 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2024-10-06 13:30:00 2024-10-06 03:00:00 RandyShepherdGathering of Friends & Family Gathering of Friends & Family 216 Shelburne Rd.,Asheville, NC 28806

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Funeral Service: October 6, 2024 3:00 pm

Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2024-10-06 15:00:00 2024-10-06 15:00:00 RandyShepherdFuneral Service Funeral Service 216 Shelburne Rd.,Asheville, NC 28806

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Guestbook

  1. Family,
    I mourn with you. I suffered loss of 4 cousins of kelly nelon gospel group. But I rejoice in knowing all in Heaven talking to Jesus. Just know Randy was a man of God. I watched many come out of Crossfire knowing the Lord. Thank you for the blessing you bestowed on the world

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  2. I just recently met Randy at his youth basketball camp in July via our son-in-law Chuck Peterson. Chuck played for Crossfire coming out of college in the 90s and always spoke so highly of Randy. When I met Randy in July I knew he was a very very special man, a true servant leader and inspirational for today’s youth. My prayers and peace are heartfelt for Randy’s family.

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    • Even though Randy was one class ahead of me, he always treated me like a equal. I don’t believe I ever saw Randy where his trademark smile was not on display. He was passionate about everything he did and will be missed by all. Rest well my friend.

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  5. I met Randy at Temple Baptist.
    And he was a great person.
    The Lord has an angel.
    But Randy touched a lot of people and will be missed.

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  7. My sincere condolences to Randy’s family and all of us who are so grateful for his life and dedication to his Lord and savior.

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  8. I have no words other than “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Randy, you will be missed by many. Thank you for touching so many lives for Jesus, including mine.
    Dear family, thank you for allowing Randy to follow Jesus and be a true disciple of Christ. This world is not our home, but home is getting closer every day and time is short. You are in our prayers.

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  9. Randy was my classmate at Asheville High School and UNC-Asheville. We had loads of classes together, but he was my lab partner in biology. He always thanked me for being the reason he passed.😁🐸 Watching how he impacted the world, I am so very thankful to have stayed in touch all of these years through Crossfire. Prayers for his family, and all of the Cougars, Bulldogs and millions he impacted with his ministry.

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  10. Randy, always enjoyed seeing and talking to you and Jamie at Fuddruckers over 30 years! I know you’re with our Savior today! God bless your mom and sister! One last name call out for your order at Fudds, Randy….. Sheppard!! Your order is ready!

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  11. We are so very sorry for your loss. Randy left quite a legacy of reaching the lost. Now he is reaping great rewards with our Father in Heaven. May God bless and comfort you all.

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  12. Randy was a very special guy. As a leader on the basketball court at Asheville HS, Randy brought his talent and skills to UNC Asheville as a member of the men’s basketball team coached by Jerry Green. I’ll never forget Randy. His parents were so sweet at the games cheering him on. My sincere condolences to the family and to ALL who cherished and adored his friendship. RIH Dear Randy. You were a soul winner for Jesus Christ traveling the world and spreading the gospel through the sport of basketball. Your legacy will live on.

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  13. Family,
    We are so sorry to hear to Randy’s passing! We met Randy through crossfire – my boys have attended his camp every summer. He was an excellent role model for our youth! Love and prayers to all.

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  14. To the family, I’m so sad for the loss of this shining light that we had here on earth, yet grateful that Randy now had eternal peace and joy beyond his imagination. Our condolences.

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  15. I have known Randy since he was a young boy in Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church. He was a true Christian in every way. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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  18. So so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. A special person in my life. He baptized me in the river Jordan in 2013. Rest in peace with Jesus.

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  20. I had joined crossfire camp for the first time back in 2007(my kindergarten year), at the time money was hard for us and Randy made sure that I got to play and learn about God! I still have a Bible that he gave me. Inside he wrote “Kaitlyn, you will do amazing and wonderful things for the Lord.” And to this day I still read that same Bible. Then in 2009(my first grade year)my parents had gotten a divorce and it was very hard and rough on me. Randy was there to comfort me in that hard time. He truly was an amazing, wise, and so loved by many! He’s up there playing basketball I just know it 🙂

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  24. I went to Basketball Camp every year and absolutely loved it! I saw the best of Randy Shepard in those days and He was a great coach and set an Outstanding example for all of us as He witnessed to us He also gave us some great advice and guidance! His Walk with the Lord was Plain and Clear Randy was a Fisher of Men for Jesus and I will never forget that! My Prayers for family and friends will always be with you! Love. HEATHER GENTRY

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  25. As a little boy I recall many years ago at the bowling alley watching Randy play while his daddy DeLand and my husband Kenneth was bowling.Randy was a busy little boy and then later grew up and taught my son Scott Edwards in basketball camp out to be a godly Man and I thank him so many times for taking care of God and teaching him so much about God.Our heart’s are broken for you Betty, and family will pray for peace and understanding at this sad time.

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  26. This is so heartbreaking. Randy had such a compassionate heart and was a true man of God. I’m so thankful to have known him. May God continue to bless his ministry.

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  28. Praying for Randy’s Mom and family and for Jamie Johnson and the crossfire family.I came to know Randy thru our church Trinity Baptist Church and Always loved when he was there and shared his love of Christ.He will be missed but he is resting now in Heaven with his Savior.God Bless

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  29. Randy has been an amazing friend for almost 40 years. He is an example for so many including my children. Randy’s unwavering faith and passion to share it with others has been an inspiration to me. He is a hero to many. Randy is now talking with the likes of Paul, King David, his Dad, Pistol Pete, Dr. Rodgers, and so many others. He has no pain or sorrow but the fullness of God’s grace, peace, and joy! Mrs. Betty, Toni, Jamie, and the Lytle squad, may the comfort that can only come from HIM, carry you through the days ahead. I look forward to seeing him again! I pray you have the same hope. If not, reach out to someone today, or email me.

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  30. Our daughters both went to Crossfire camp and Randy has been a friend to our family for years. He will be remembered for his love for the kids but most important for his love for the Lord! He was a wonderful witness to so many and no doubt changed lives forever. Our prayers go to his precious mama Betty and the rest of his family and of course to Jamie and the Crossfire Ministries to carry on Randy’s legacy!

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  31. I had the Pleasure to meet Randy in early 2000 when I first moved to western NC. I started Attending a church our Life Group met at starbucks in Downtown Asheville I had just Gotten out of my car and I hear this Voice say is that Bill? next thing i know here comes this Stranger RUNNING!! Towards me wearing a Crossfire Shirt All excited to talk with me About the LORD! Upon Sitting Down with Him After we were introduced, we Shared our testimonies to each other and over the Years I would see Him in Passing Also attending games from Time to time A True Warrior For The Lord. He will Be Deeply Missed.

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  32. Randy’s Spirit filled ministry was characterized by both compassion and boldness. He, like God, was not willing that anyone be lost and he gave his life to a clear and loving presentation of the gospel. Looking forward to a reunion with him. Praying for peace and comfort for Randy’s family and for his dedicated brother in the Lord, Jamie.

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  33. Randy was such an incredible Christian example on how to live a Christian life. He was so devoted to the Lord. I saw Randy grow up to be that light for the Lord. I went to Asheville High and UNCA with Randy. We pray for the Shepherd family to have Gods peace at this time.

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  34. So saddened to hear that my friend Randy Shepherd has passed away, we have been friends since the 80’s when we met in high school – both of us student-athletes from different schools. I rejoice for Randy, as to be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord and there is no doubt that is where Randy is, rejoicing to finally be in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do not weep for Randy, as he has lived his earthly life in preparation for life everlasting. Well done thy good and faithful servant. Rest in Heavenly Peace Brother.

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  35. We met Randy many years ago through Crossfire Ministry! Our boys went through the camp and Randy was always a blessing and always treated us like he had known us his entire life! Heaven is sweet and I’m sure He is in awe as he has seen the face of Jesus! Praying for the family!

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  36. George Whitefield said,‘we are immortal until our work on earth is done’

    We loved your spirit and love for God.
    See you at the house!!!!!

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  37. I met Randy at The Asheville Airport. When I worked there. It was on a Thursday. I worked in security. My boyfriend was in Iraq. Randy had a Prayer me that 🙏 day. You will be greatly missed 😢 prayer’s to his family.

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  38. You will be missed my friend, I loved talking to you about the Lord and of course B Ball… Praying for the family and friends 🙏🙏

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  40. We attended church with Randy at Merrimon Ave. Baptist Church while Billy Cline was pastor. Randy dedicated his life to witnessing for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ his whole life. He will be missed.

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  41. Be assured of our prayers for Randy’s family and for Jamie & the Crossfire family. Randy served the Lord and looked for every opportunity to share Jesus with others. What a legacy! May we all take up the torch to share the Good News of a glorious, eternal future in heaven with all who will accept His free gift and commit their life to Jesus giving Him authority over our life!

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  42. I am so heartbroken to know this news. I’ve been traveling and did not understand the gravity of my brother’s sickness. I pray for family and friends. He was definitely an awesome man of God

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  43. Condolences to the family of this dear saint. I did not know him but have read a lot about him in the last couple days I feel like I could’ve known him he had a genuine love for the Lord I’ve read so very nice stories about him. Prayers to his sweet Mom and siblings

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  44. Thank you for sharing your talents and especially your testimony to t000s of our youth. You are a true witness!

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  48. Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “Jesus plainly told her: I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.

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