Randy Shepherd

August 19, 1964 ~ September 19, 2024
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
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.
The Celebration of Randy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, at Brookstone Church, 90 Griffee Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787.
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
Celebration of Life: November 17, 2024 3:00 pm
Brookstone Church - Weaverville
90 Griffee Rd.
Weaverville, NC 28787
(828)658-9443
https://www.brookstonechurch.org/
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
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.
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.
RIP, Brother. What an incredible life you lived. Well done, good and faithful servant.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Many great memories of our brother. Praying for the family and Crossfire Ministries.
Keeping all of you in our prayers, he will be greatly missed.
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.
Randy was blessed with an amazing ministry. “WITNESS”
Praying for Crossfire and Jamie too. 🙏
God loves y’all. ✝️🤗
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.
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.
Prayers for all of Randy’s family and friends.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!!
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.
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 🙏🙏
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!
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
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
Thank you for sharing your talents and especially your testimony to t000s of our youth. You are a true witness!
I’ll plan on seeing you again buddy.
Take Care
Much Love
Gary Dodd
I’ll plan on seeing you again buddy
Take Care
I’ll plan on seeing you again buddy
Much Love
Gary Dodd
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.
John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.