Richard Nathaniel Sheppard

Richard Nathaniel Sheppard

March 29, 1942 - July 5, 2026

Richard was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2026, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, in Morgantown, WV.

Richard was born with a creative spirit, loved life and had a deep respect for American history. Growing up in a family that raised NC tobacco, hard work was instilled in him at an early age. After graduating from high school, Richard started a family and went to work for Bonitz Insulation in Greensboro, NC. Later, he went to work for Ferree Trailers in Climax, NC, where he quickly became Plant Supervisor and designed low boy heavy equipment. He was a natural at engineering.

With his passion for American history, Richard built many black powder long rifles and added his touch in the hand carved stocks and engraved brass accents to his guns. He was active in Revolutionary War re-enactments and served as President of the Alamance Long Rifles and the Carolina Flintlocks which were black powder organizations.

A man of many talents, Richard found joy in leather carving, jewelry making, gunsmithing and blacksmithing. He found his true love as an artisan blacksmith and started his business, Tick Creek Forge in Bonlee, NC.

After leaving the employ of Ferree Trailers, Richard worked at Moore’s Machine Shop in Bear Creek, NC. After leaving Moore’s Machine Shop, he became a self-employed artisan blacksmith. He did many demonstrations in NC, forging decorative iron works and restoration pieces.

In 1990, he moved to Bruceton Mills, WV, re-married and re-named his business as Sheppard Mountain Studio.

He designed and built the “Big Lick” treadle hammer that many blacksmiths use today.

Richard was a member of the Artisan Blacksmith Associations, ABANA and PABAA, and served on the Board of Directors for Touchstone Center for Crafts. At Touchstone, he helped design and build the Blacksmith Studio where he taught many classes and shared the knowledge he accrued over the years. Richard was well known for his ornamental iron works which are showcased in many homes and establishments in the USA.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Janet Sheppard (James); stepsons:

S. Christopher Phillips (Angel) and Benjamin Joel Phillips (Marisha); and a host of step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Rev. Vicki D Sheppard, his parents, George W. Sheppard and Lettie Ruth Blair Sheppard; brothers, Wayne Sheppard and Glenn Sheppard; and baby sister, Nancy Jeanette Sheppard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Touchstone Center for Crafts,

1049 Wharton Furnace Road, Farmington, PA 15437.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

Carl R. Spear Funeral Home in Brandonville-Bruceton Mills, WV, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at spearfuneralhome.net.