Jeffrey Marvin DeShields
Jeffrey Marvin DeShields
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Jeffrey DeShields Obituary
March 7, 1957 – February 13, 2026
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce Jeff DeShields, of 8154 Highway 92 Enoree, SC, peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on February 13, 2026 at Hospice of Laurens County, surrounded by family, at the age of 68. Jeff, affectionately known as "Jeffro", was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born on March 7, 1957 in Laurens, SC to Jimmy Lee DeShields and Jean Carolyn "Tootsie" DeShields, Jeff lived life in a way that made the ordinary extraordinary. Whether standing in the backyard with a horseshoe in hand or sitting with family and friends enjoying a cold beer, he found joy in the simple pleasures and made sure everyone around him felt welcome. A game of horseshoes with him wasn't just a game…it was laughter echoing into the evening, friendly competition, and stories that somehow got better every time they were told. He enjoyed being outdoors. You could find him at the cabin he and his grandfather built with their own hands, down by the river with the quiet current rolling past, or sitting peacefully on the back porch soaking in the warmth of the sun. In those quiet moments, surrounded by nature, he found peace and contentment. Those simple pleasures reflected the kind of life he cherished: honest, grounded, and full of gratitude.
Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was married to Debra DeShields, the love of his life, and together they shared 48 wonderful years, raising two daughters. Their life together was built on love and unwavering commitment. Through every joy and every challenge, they stood side by side, a true testament to enduring love. His love for his family was strong, steady, and sure - a constant source of comfort, guidance, and protection. He showed his devotion not through grand gestures, but through everyday acts of care, sacrifice, and presence. His wife and daughters were his greatest pride and deepest joy.
He is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents, grandparents, and step-daughter, Sonya Bolick. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Debra DeShields; his daughters, Ashley DeShields Taylor and Jennifer Fowler (Trey); his granddaughters, LeeAnn Bolick, Kelsey Holmes (Dylan), and MacKenzie Holmes; his great-granddaughter, Loddie "Jo-Jo" Pompa; and his siblings, Sharon O'Bryant (Jerry) and Cynthia Clifford (Tim).
Though he may no longer walk beside us, his legacy of courage, strength, kindness, and enduring love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His smile, gentle spirit, steady presence, and the countless memories with horseshoes in the dirt and a beer in hand will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at 12:00PM on March 7, 2026 at Horseshoe Falls near Cross Anchor, SC. In honor of him, bring a story to share and raise a glass to a life well lived.
To plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey Marvin DeShields, please visit our Tribute Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Ashley Lee DeShields Taylor
February 16, 2026
My Daddy was my hero, my protector, and the strongest man I have ever known.
When I think about him, I think about the river, the laughter, the stories, and the way he made me feel safe no matter what. I think about every time I saw him, I´d say, "Hey, Daddy!" He´d always respond with, "Hey, Hun!"
As a little girl playing in the water at Horseshoe Falls, I remember me and Babysister screaming at the top of our lungs, "SNAKE!" We watched it swim right past us in the same swimming hole we were in. Daddy came running! He grabbed that snake by the tail, swung it around like a helicopter, and beat its head against a rock until it was no longer a threat to his babies. That was my Daddy - fearless when it came to protecting the people he loved.
I remember the time we both had broken collar bones at the same time. His came from a four-wheeler accident at Horseshoe Falls. We were climbing a hill when the four-wheeler flipped over on it´s back and he managed to hold it up long enough for me and Babysister to escape safely. Mine came from tripping at a family reunion, cutting a flip in mid-air, and landing wrong on my shoulder. Even in pain, he was still my tough Daddy - and somehow we made that memory one we could laugh about.
I remember sitting by the river listening to Hank Williams Jr., camping out while he and his buddies went frog-gigging, and feeling like there was no better place in the world to be.
Although we didn´t have much money, Mama and Daddy always found a way to take family vacations every year to Hilton Head Island. Those trips were full of sunshine, laughter, and memories that I will carry with me forever.
He taught me how to throw horseshoes and how to get it to flip just right for a perfect ringer. He had the patience to teach and the grin that said he was proud when I got it right.
I once called into work just because he wanted to take me fishing. That was the kind of man he was - and that was the kind of daughter I was proud to be.
I´ll never forget the day he walked all the way to my house - with a hernia - just because he wanted to see me. I pulled into the driveway after work and asked, "How did you get here?" And he said, like it was nothing at all, "I walked." We built a fire in the fire pit, drank a couple "cold beerzies," and later he whipped me in a game of darts. Even hurting, he just wanted to spend time with me.
He was always there. Whether it was helping me move into another house or helping me put away Christmas decorations, he showed up. Every single time.
His love was strong, steady, and sure. It didn´t waver. It didn´t falter. It was the kind of love you could stand on.
My Daddy wasn´t just strong in body - he was strong in heart. He showed me what it means to protect, to provide, to show up, and to love without hesitation.
And his hugs...his hugs were the best! Strong. Safe. Full of love.
I am who I am because of him. Everyone always says I look and act just like him. If I carry even a piece of his strength, his stubbornness, his loyalty, his humor, and his heart - then I know I´m doing something right. A part of him lives on in me every single day.
And though I will miss him every single day, I will carry his strength, his laughter, his lessons, and his love with me always.
Daddy, you were my hero then.
You are my hero now.
And you always will be.
Rest easy, Daddy! Until we meet again!
With all my love, Ashley
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Ashley Lee DeShields Taylor
February 16, 2026
My Daddy was my hero, my protector, and the strongest man I have ever known.
When I think about him, I think about the river, the laughter, the stories, and the way he made me feel safe no matter what. I think about every time I saw him, I´d say, "Hey, Daddy!" He´d always respond with, "Hey, Hun!"
As a little girl playing in the water at Horseshoe Falls, I remember me and Babysister screaming at the top of our lungs, "SNAKE!" We watched it swim right past us in the same swimming hole we were in. Daddy came running! He grabbed that snake by the tail, swung it around like a helicopter, and beat its head against a rock until it was no longer a threat to his babies. That was my Daddy - fearless when it came to protecting the people he loved.
I remember the time we both had broken collar bones at the same time. His came from a four-wheeler accident at Horseshoe Falls. We were climbing a hill when the four-wheeler flipped over on it´s back and he managed to hold it up long enough for me and Babysister to escape safely. Mine came from tripping at a family reunion, cutting a flip in mid-air, and landing wrong on my shoulder. Even in pain, he was still my tough Daddy - and somehow we made that memory one we could laugh about.
I remember sitting by the river listening to Hank Williams Jr., camping out while he and his buddies went frog-gigging, and feeling like there was no better place in the world to be.
Although we didn´t have much money, Mama and Daddy always found a way to take family vacations every year to Hilton Head Island. Those trips were full of sunshine, laughter, and memories that I will carry with me forever.
He taught me how to throw horseshoes and how to get it to flip just right for a perfect ringer. He had the patience to teach and the grin that said he was proud when I got it right.
I once called into work just because he wanted to take me fishing. That was the kind of man he was - and that was the kind of daughter I was proud to be.
I´ll never forget the day he walked all the way to my house - with a hernia - just because he wanted to see me. I pulled into the driveway after work and asked, "How did you get here?" And he said, like it was nothing at all, "I walked." We built a fire in the fire pit, drank a couple "cold beerzies," and later he whipped me in a game of darts. Even hurting, he just wanted to spend time with me.
He was always there. Whether it was helping me move into another house or helping me put away Christmas decorations, he showed up. Every single time.
His love was strong, steady, and sure. It didn´t waver. It didn´t falter. It was the kind of love you could stand on.
My Daddy wasn´t just strong in body - he was strong in heart. He showed me what it means to protect, to provide, to show up, and to love without hesitation.
And his hugs...his hugs were the best! Strong. Safe. Full of love.
I am who I am because of him. Everyone always says I look and act just like him. If I carry even a piece of his strength, his stubbornness, his loyalty, his humor, and his heart - then I know I´m doing something right. A part of him lives on in me every single day.
And though I will miss him every single day, I will carry his strength, his laughter, his lessons, and his love with me always.
Daddy, you were my hero then.
You are my hero now.
And you always will be.
Rest easy, Daddy! Until we meet again!
With all my love, Ashley
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