Earl Francis Shields Jr.

1933 - 2016

Dr. Earl Francis Shields, Jr.

Dr. Earl Francis Shields, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Naples, Florida on October 3, 2016 at age 83.

Earl was born on March 19, 1933 in Flushing, Michigan, was raised in the Lorain/Amherst area of Ohio, and lived a life celebrating his love of family, devotion to benevolence, and his relentless determination following several debilitating health issues.

From values learned from his parents, Earl Shields, Sr. and Ileta Blanche McFadden Shields, he committed his life to the service of others, and touched thousands of lives and families as a respected physician and teacher, church leader and Stephen minister. Earl founded the heart and cardiovascular surgery program at Akron General Medical Center in Akron, Ohio, now part of the Cleveland Clinic, which continues to today. He was honored with induction by his peers into the Distinguished Physicians Society in 1991 as the youngest member of the Society. In his retirement, Earl enjoyed golfing with his friends at Bears Paw CC in Naples, Florida.

Earl was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 50 years, Margo (Milloff), and sisters, Sarann, Cathy and Bonnie. He is survived by his current loving wife, Julie; his sister, Eldonna; three children, Randal, Scott, and Julianne; stepdaughter, Meredith; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service honoring Earl at 11 a.m. on November 19, 2016 at the Catavolos Funeral Home in Akron, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations in his name to the Akron General Foundation, Heart and Vascular program, 1 Akron General Ave., 44307.