J. Don Shields

SHELBY- J. Don Shields, 86, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A native of Murphy, NC, he was born November 1, 1927, son of the late Edgar and Willa Heldreth Shields. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Shelby and a faithful member of the Chris White Bible Class. He was a lifetime member of the Optimist International and was awarded Realtor Emeritus by the Cleveland County Association of Realtors. His career in real estate span over 57 years. He served as President of the Shelby Merchants Association from 1957 to 1958, in 1959 he was appointed Director of Civil Defense for Cleveland County now known as Cleveland County Emergency Services.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Janie Shields and one daughter, Willa Sue Shields Schuetz.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his wife, Martha Jane Spake Shields of the home; one son, Dr. Scott Shields and wife Carolyn of Enid, OK; one daughter, Patricia Shields Allen and husband Danny of Lugoff, SC; one son-in-law, Peter Schuetz of Shelby; one brother, Kenneth Shields and wife Rose of Jacksonville FL; four grandchildren, Tim Whitaker and wife Allison of Rock Hill, SC, Kelli Allen Sweet and husband Nathan of Wake Forest, NC, Hunter Allen of Lugoff, SC, Shannon Shields Muhlestein and husband Tim of Enid, OK; four great grandchildren, Jessica Whitaker, Reagan Whitaker, James and Kira Muhlestein.

SERVICES: A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday July 26, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Shelby.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

CLERGY: Rev. Tony Tench

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 120 N. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150 and/or Cleveland/Rutherford Kidney Association, 1017 N. Washington Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Kings Mountain