Obituary: Thomas Hillary Shields Jr., 91, formerly of Bardstown
THOMAS “TOM” HILLARY SHIELDS JR.
Thomas Hillary Shields Jr., 91, formerly of Bardstown, died Feb. 6, 2016, in Oak Grove, La. He was born June 24, 1924, in Bloomfield to the late and former Sheriff and Senator Thomas H. and Katherine Harned Shields Sr. He was a graduate of Bloomfield High School, served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy on the USS Alabama and during the Korean War on the USS Bon Homme Richard. He remained active in the American Legion as well as ship reunions.
He was a successful farmer, cattleman and operated a cotton gin. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lake Providence, La., and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served his community as a magistrate for East Carroll Parish, also as justice of the peace. He served on many boards, the ASCS, First National Bank for over 30 years, East Carroll Parish Prison Farm, Louisiana Cotton Museum and the Boy Scouts.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Mary Roby Shields; one sister, Carolyn Fair; and one brother, Butch Shields.
He is survived by one daughter, Kitty Shields of Houston; four sons, Tommy (Karen) Shields III of Iowa, La., Roby (Lee) Shields of Baton Rouge, La., Harry (Jere) Shields of Thibodaux, La., and Ted Shields of Bardstown; one sister, Ann (Virgil) Hahn of Tyler, Texas; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The graveside inurnment service is 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the Bardstown Cemetery with Deacon Arnold Downs officiating.
Memorial donations may be go to the USS Battleship Alabama Memorial Fund, PO Box 65, Mobile, AL 36603.
The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home, 1475 New Shepherdsville Road is in charge of arrangements.
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