Gayle L. Parker, 81, of Springdale, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2026 in Springdale. She was born January 15, 1945 in Bidville, AR to Velt and Oma Kelley Shepherd.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Doug; and her siblings, Remmer Shepherd, Velta Brady, and A.K. Shepherd.
Gayle and her husband Doug were owner/operators of 4-Way Transportation, a trucking company. She enjoyed traveling and flower gardening. Gayle was also active with her church and enjoyed watching her grandson play baseball.
She is survived by her daughter Hope Matthews of Springdale; a brother Randall Shepherd and his wife Shirley of Bidville; three sisters, Lora Mullen of Elkins, Brownie Mullen of Elkins, and Linda Basham of Nacogdoches, TX; a grandson Parker Matthews and his wife Katherine of Springdale; a great-granddaughter Kinsley Matthews (and another great-granddaughter on the way); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Monday, June 15, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Beard’s Chapel with Reverend Richard Perry and Reverend Roy Biswell officiating. Interment will follow in Bidville Cemetery.
Hope and Parker, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother and Mimi. Holding all of your family in prayer and love.
Lisa Neihouse
We are so sorry for your families loss. We are so thankful for Gayle as she was James Clark, Arkansas mother. She was the best.
Love & Prayers for your sweet family.
My deepest condolences. I will always have fond memories of shopping and dinner with Gayle and Doug in the valley.
Loved Gayle! Sorry for your loss. She was a joy to visit with at the gatherings on the mountain at Randall and Shirley’s! I know she will be greatly missed. Hope and Parker, praying for you during your time of grief.
Love from,
Ginger
Hope and Parker, our sincere condolences. Your mom was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed any time that we spent together. She will be missed by anyone and everyone who had the chance to know her.
Love, Carr and Stephanie Michelle Bettis
So sad to hear about Gayle’s passing. Condolences to all of the family and especially Hope and Parker. Wendy and I hold a special place in our hearts for Doug and Gayle that became very special friends when we wintered in Texas. Gayle will be missed as we have missed Doug since his passing. Some things in life are tough and this is one of them.