Robert Lee Shields

HAMPTON - Robert Lee Shields, 89, died Sunday, May 12, 2002. A native of Accomac County, Virginia, he had been a Peninsula resident since 1960. He was a member of Parkview Baptist Church, the Loyal Order of Moose and the American Legion. Mr. Shields retired as a machinist from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1977, after 17 years of service. He also served in the U.S. Naval Air Force. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn W. Shields; five daughters, Mary Jane Potter of Hampton, Phyllis Vess of Clifton Forge, Patricia VanBuren of Manassas, Dreama Willett of Grafton, and Roberta Stowe of Newport News; two sisters, Estelle Purks and Monnie Green, both of Fredericksburg; one brother, Richard Shield of Exmore; 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Johnson. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, in W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Lawrence Biermann officiating. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. A special thanks to a granddaughter, Julie, for her loving care during his hospitalization, and to Dr. Hoyt, medical staff and volunteers at Riverside Regional Medical Center, and James River Convalescent Center. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.