Mr. Neil F. Shields, 85, of Barbourville, passed away Saturday morning, October 16, 2021 at his home. He was the son of the late Joe and Effie Partin Shields born on October 13, 1936 in Barbourville.
Neil was the co-owner of the Barbourville Shell Station for many years and then was a rural route mail carrier until his retirement in 2009 and a member for over 50 years of the East Barbourville Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and a faithful and devoted servant to his church. He was an avid UK basketball and football fan and loved to fish with his nephew, J. M. Hall. Neil was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who adored his grandchildren.
On September 1, 1956, he united in marriage with Willa Dean Hall and to this union four children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Willa Dean Shields; a son, Anthony N. “Tony” Shields; sisters, Evelyn Treadway and husband, Glen, and Vesta Rice; brothers, Dallas Shields and Douglas Shields and wife, Charlotte; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Ray Hall and wife, Helen, and Tommy Hall.
Survivors include three dearly loved children, Susan Poff and husband, Derrick, Donna Martin and husband, Larry, and Denna Shields all of Barbourville; three brothers, Garrett Shields and wife, Judy, and Joe Shields and wife, Betty, all of Barbourville and Richard Shields of Ashland; treasured grandchildren, Michael Poff and fiancé, Hannah Nash, Megan Poff and fiancé, Tate Fields, Nick and Abbie Martin and Anthony Shields II; a great grandchild, Taylin Shields; dear friends, Johnny Peters and Randall Roach both of Barbourville; among other loved ones and friends.
His funeral service will be conducted at the East Barbourville Baptist Church Thursday, October 21 at 2 P.M. with Rev. James Vandy and Rev. Josh Smith officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be J. M. Hall, Chris Hall, Doug Shields, Mike Shields, Scott Shields, Mark Shields, Charlie Smith and Jeff Shields. Serving as honorary bearers will be the deacons of East Barbourville Baptist Church.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Tom Ashburn and Brian Abner for their willingness to always provide the best of care to Neil.
Friends may call at the church Wednesday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Thursday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of NEIL SHIELDS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
