Mr. Frederick Preston Shields passed away on Monday, April 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.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Praying the Lord will give you Peace and Strength during this difficult time. With love, Eula Faye Marriner Scott & Family
Rory and Tangela are with you and Sydney in spirit. God does not give us more then what we can handle. God is the comforter and God is with you both.
The Dozier's
Rory and Tangela are there in spirit with you and Sydney. God does not give us more then what we can handle. God is the comforter for you both.
The Dozier's
Rory and Tangela are there with you in spirit. God does not give us more then we can handle.
To the family of Frederick Shiels, III So sorry for your loss. Frederick was such a positive and inspirational person. God Bless you All............... Brenda Wallace Guilford Elections
My prayers are with you all. Lori
My sincere condolences to the Shields family. I was saddened to hear of your loss. Fred and I graduated from Brawley High school together. May God grant you peace in the days ahead. God Bless you all.
Audrey and Sydney, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I pray you will be strengthen and will lean on the one who is always near. I will always remember Fred's smile and kindness. Know that we will pray for the entire family. I hope to see you real soon. Kathy Whittle-Davis
My deepest sympathy to Shields family..
Jordan from Lorillard
Audrey, I am so so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I am attending his celebration of life via the live stream now. You know how much our family loves you and Fred. I wish I could give you and Sydney a warm, warm hug right now. Until we meet again, Graciela Jones.
Audrey and Sydney. Praying for your strength during this time. Treasure the good times and all the beautiful memories you created together. That is truly worth keeping. We love you and will be in touch soon. Carolyn Mayo & Chris
Audrey and Sydney, so sorry to hear about Frederick. I met Frederick at Lorillard, I started just a few weeks before Fred. We were teammates and became good friends and lunch buddies right up to the end. I was so looking forward to doing lunch with Frederick once he got better. I will miss him and I know you will to but keep the memories alive of such a good man! I was blessed to have known him. John M. Martin
Audrey, we're so sorry we won't be able to be with you today, but we want you to know that we're praying for both you and Sydney. If mom was could she'd want me to say the same thing for her. Let your faith in God and the strength He has given you, help you through this time of grief. We love you both and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Cousin Baby Sis, Charlie, and Aunt Thelma
I extend heartfelt Condolences to the Shields Family. Fred's warm engaging smile & presence at Providence will be missed.
May the memories of so many good time together bring you comfort. May thoughts of the simple and silly bring you smiles. May you always feel the kind, loving, easygoing spirit of Trey with you always. Love, Carlton & Tammy
May the memories of so many good time together bring you comfort. May thoughts of the simple and silly bring you smiles. May you always feel the kind, loving, easygoing spirit of Trey with you always.
G. Bernard Shaw
My sincere sympathy is being sent your way. Fred was a very humbling , dedicated and spiritual church friend. I cherish the talks we had and want you to know that He will be missed. Praying comfort for you and Sydney.
My condolence to you Audrey , Sydney, and the rest of the Family. It was a blessing to have known Fred because of his calm and caring Spirit. He would always smile and speak each Sunday when I see him at Church. Trust God to get you through this moment in your life.
To Audrey and Sydney and Family, I cannot begin to tell you of the sorrow I am feeling right now, Frederick was one of my best friends from Scotland Neck, the times and memories are endless, may god bless you and keep you in his loving arms, be BLESSED!!! CARL PATTERSON & FAMILY
Audrey and Sydney, Please know that you have Joe's and my deepest sympathy. You will always have Fred's loving memories. He was such a kind, friendly, and welcoming person. We enjoyed so much our travels with the two of you. And, what a wonderful time we had while visiting Fred and you at many NC A&T homecomings (when he wasn't at NC State's homecomings). Particularly, this past homecoming when we went to your home and had a ball eating a marvelous dinner and talking until midnight. Fred is going to be deeply missed by all that knew him. God bless your family. Arlene and Joe.
Audrey and Sydney, we are very sorry about your loss. Fred was nice man with a lot of knowledge. Your family is in our prayers.Cousins Brenda & Patricia Craft
Hello, Audrey and Sydney! God has welcomed another one of his children home. Fred seemed very devoted to his family. He was always friendly, warm, and kind. Fred will be sorely missed. Please lean heavily on the everlasting arms of Jesus our savior for comfort and peace. God bless you. Ira Williams
Jean and Sidney, our prayers and love are extended to you in your loss. We know that you will miss your loving husband and dear father, Fred. However, just hold on to your beautiful memories and the knowledge that God has it all worked out. Blessings, Glenn and Patricia Matthews Radcliffe
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Keeping your family in thoughts and prayers. Lisa Williams. Charlotte, NC.
Audrey & Sidney I am so sorry to learn about Fred's death just today. He was one of my favorite church friends. Always greeting you with a smile & 'How you doing?' inquiry and then he would actually take the time to stop and listen. I will miss him. Please know that you are both in my prayers of strength and love. Cecelia
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray the Lord will give you strength and peace during this difficult time. Richard and Phyllis Tunstall
Mrs. Shields and Sydney.
Wishing you comfort during your time of loss. Mr. Shields will be greatly missed. Dr. Sandra Blackstock and the Junior Nursing Students from North Carolina A&T State School of Nursing
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.