Frederick Preston Shields, III
09/24/1952 - 04/25/2022
A service honoring his life will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 11:00 am at Providence Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery
Frederick Preston Shields III was born on September 24, 1952, in Halifax County, North Carolina, to the late Frederick Preston Shields, Sr. and Edith Lorraine Morris Shields. Frederick was raised and educated in Scotland Neck in Halifax County, North Carolina. Frederick was baptized as a child at Shiloh Baptist Church in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, and maintained his membership there until joining Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1984. Frederick Preston Shields III joined the Boy Scouts of America and became an Explorer Scout in high school. Frederick excelled in many things in his youth, and was a varsity basketball player while attending Brawley High School, where he graduated in 1970. In fact, Frederick was senior class president, he graduated valedictorian of the senior class and was Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. Along with his twin brother, Roderick Samuel Shields, he attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1974. Frederick also joined the NC State Alumni Association, and its affiliated Black Alumni Group, and was a lifelong NC State Wolfpack fan and supporter.
Upon graduating from NC State University, he moved to New York where he started working for Sperry Rand for a few years. After some time up north, Fred relocated to Greensboro, NC where he worked for Burlington Industries. This is where he met his soon to be wife, Audrey Jean Watson Shields. Fred and Audrey dated for a few years until they were married in Spring of 1983 in Greensboro, NC. After spending years as a married couple, they had a daughter, Sydney Lorraine Shields who was born October 1986 and became a “daddy’s girl”.
Fred’s career consisted of working for Pilot Light Insurance and Kayser Roth-Corporation. Fred was an employee for 20 years with Lorillard Tobacco Company/ITG Brands as a Sr. Systems Analyst. Fred retired in 2019 to spend the rest of his time with family, traveling the world and volunteering his time to the community along with church.
Fred Shields was a devoted husband, loving father, son and brother. He was dedicated to his community by volunteering, coaching youth basketball, tutoring and mentoring youth in the Greensboro area. He was a member of Leadership Greensboro, a Trustee member and Assistant Treasurer of Providence Baptist Church and Treasurer for State Senator Gladys Robinison. Fred enjoyed traveling with his family and friends, swimming, playing racquetball, listening to Jazz for hours on end and always rooted for the Wolfpack! Additionally, Fred and Sydney enjoyed attending and watching professional sporting events.
Frederick Shields was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Preston Shields, Sr., Edith Lorraine Morris Shields, a brother, Frederick Preston Shields II and nephew, Roderick Samuel Shields Jr (Stephanie) of Knightdale, NC. Frederick is survived by his wife of 39 years, Audrey Watson Shields of the home and his daughter Sydney Lorraine Shields of Charlotte, NC. He is survived by three brothers, Morris Shields of Youngsville, NC, Robert Shields (Yvette) of Scotland Neck, NC and Roderick Shields (Glenda) of Youngsville, NC. Nieces: Monique Allen (Adrian) of Yonkers, NY, Dawn Daniely(Earl) of Las Vegas, NV and Janera Harvey of Winterville, NC. Nephew: Jolon Shields (Sonnia) of Weddington, NC. Along with a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and many family members and friends.