J. Randolph Shields, 88, of Murphy passed away Friday, November 9, 2012 at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a native and lifetime resident of Notla Farms. He was a graduate of Murphy High School and also graduated from Brevard Jr. College. He had served in the United States Marine Corp during WWII. Randolph was a retired rural mail carrier for 41 years, retiring in 1988. He was owner/operator of Notla Farms Dairy Farm from the age of 19. He was a member of the Shady Grove Baptist Church, a 32^nd Degree Mason, and belonged to Montgomery Lodge.

He was the son of the late John S. Jr. and Kate McCallister Shields. He was also preceded in death by an infant great grandson, Michael Blake Shields; and a brother, Harold Shields.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Wilma Tilson Shields; a daughter, Mary Alice Shields of Marietta, GA; a son, John H. Shields and wife, Wanda of Murphy; four grandchildren, Michael Shields and wife Tina, Melissa Miller and husband Brandon, Matthew and Carson Shields all of Murphy, four great grandchildren, Megan, Tyler, and Landon Shields, and Mallory Miller; and a nephew, Bill Gulledge, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Monday, November 12, 2012 at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Revs. Ned Golden and Gerald Derreberry officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites. Pallbearers were Gary and Danny Anderson, Jackie and Harry Bryant, Forrest Johnson, and Clinton Ball. Honorary pallbearers were members of Shady Grove Men’s Sunday School Class.

The family received friends from 6-9 Sunday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy where the body was until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Cherokee County Chapter, PO Box 1151, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.