Gene Shields

Gene Austin Shields was born on August 29, 1934 in Oakland, MS to the late Hiram and Gracie Shields.  He was the second of five children born to this marriage.

Gene received his education in Hermanville and Cleveland school systems until his family moved to Jackson, where he attended Lanier High School.  He confessed Christ at an early age at St. Elmo Christian Church.  Gene was a member of Galilee Church where he served on the Deacon Board.

The Lord blessed Gene to enjoy many accomplishments during his lifetime.  He joined the U. S. Army in 1953 and served until 1955 as PFC Gene Austin Shields.

He was a hard worker with a love for building fences.  He started out working for Bell Fence Company, Cyclone Fence Company, Jeffcoat Fence Company and U. S. Steel.  He later became an entrepreneur of Shields Fence Company until his health failed him.

He was strong minded, kind hearted and very vocal about his thoughts and opinions.  He loved watching football and western movies.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He loved God and his family dearly.  His precious memories will remain and leave an everlasting impression in the hearts of his family and friends.

In the early morning hours on Friday, January 20, 2021, Gene was summoned from his earthly home.  He leaves to cherish his memory:  a devoted wife, Sarah A. Shields; tow sons, Dennis Robinson (Tokama) of Dallas, TX, and Martin Shields (Denise) of Clinton, MS; five daughters, Cheryl Shields of Denver, CO, Bridgette Shields, Patricia Shields Fly (Calvin) and Gwendolyn Shields Parker (Bryan) of Jackson, MS, and Shamona Shields (Justin) of Pearl, MS; 20 grandchildren, 39 grandchildren, and  a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by: his parents, Hiram and Gracie Shields, brother, Eddie Shields; and three sisters, Thelma Shoulders, Deloris Bell and Cloatee Davis.