Mr. Ryland Boyd Shepherd, age 49, of Jefferson passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017 at his residence. Private services will be held upon Ryland's request. Mr. Shepherd was born in Ashe County to Mont Fred Shepherd and Betty Ann Arnold Howell. He was owner and operator of Shepherd's Automotive. He was a member of Mt. Jefferson Baptist Church. He had a passion for dirt track racing in Royal Retreat at the Wythe Raceway. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Jamie Richardson Shepherd; a daughter, Montra May Shepherd, of Mountain City, TN; his father, Mont Shepherd, of Grassy Creek; his mother, Betty Howell, of West Jefferson; a brother, Brodrick Shepherd and wife, Tamara, of West Jefferson; several nieces and nephews also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Montra May, 1269 Roan Creek Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.