William Dale Shepherd

William "Bill" Shepherd never grew up. Born on July 12, 1948, he approached life as a game he was determined to win. And he loved the intricacies of a good set of rules.

His passion was refereeing high school football, and he was so admired by his colleagues that after 49 years of service he was inducted into the Greater Tulsa Officials Association's Hall of Fame. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, he began working in the field of IT back when computers took up entire rooms.

Cycling, scuba diving, and attending Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Orchestra performances were some of his favorite pastimes. A good meal with fancy wine was one of his favorite ways to spend time with friends. Bill left us for his next adventure on July 21, 2026 after 78 years of being a big kid.

He leaves behind a girlfriend, a sister and her family, his Tulsa family, and so many friends who will miss his pranks, jokes, and one-of-a-kind laugh. Bill will swim with the fishes; his ashes will be planted on a reef next to his best friend, Dale Cox, in the Caribbean.

Join us for a service on August 8 at 4:00pm with a party following to celebrate his life at Schaudt's Funeral Service, 5757 S Memorial Dr., Tulsa, OK 74145.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, the Tulsa Symphony, or the Tulsa Ballet.