William R. Shields

William R. Shields, 58, passed away at home on Monday, July 22, 2013 following a period of declining health. Support from Hospice of Crawford County enabled Bill to remain at home. Bill was born in Erie, PA on December 17, 1954, the son of the late Reverend Owen W. Shields and Elizabeth R. Shields. He married Gloria Jean Linz-Shields on New Year's Eve, 1981. Bill graduated in 1972 from Meadville Area Sr. High School. He then attended Gordon College in Wenham, MA. He worked at the former Avtex, and also for many years at Quality Living Center in Saegertown, caring for and tending to the needs of the residents there. Bill had a calm and gentle personality. He was a fun-loving dad who taught his children to be compassionate and have respect for life. Bill supported the local peace movement. He loved Jesus and knew that Jesus loved him. He was an active member of Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville. He loved his church family, and was saddened when his ill health kept him from attending worship services. Bill had coached Little League baseball, and was always the guy at gatherings playing games with the kids. He was a talented drummer, playing in some local bands. A nature lover, Bill enjoyed his dogs, living in the country, and spending relaxing days swimming and biking with his family at Presque Isle. Bill will be sadly missed by his wife, Gloria, their sons, Owen J. Shields and his wife, Stephanie, of Pittsburgh, and Will D. Shields, of Meadville; their daughter, Faith Ann Shields of Meadville; a grandson, Cameron Owen Shields, and another grandson expected in November; a sister, Mary Beth Jasper, and her husband, Randy, of Birmingham, AL; and a sister-in-law, Eileen Shields, of Meadville. Bill also had many nieces and nephews, as well a great nieces and nephews. Bill had mourned the death of his parents; a brother, John Shields Sr., a brother, Robert Shields, killed in Vietnam in 1967; and a sister, Ruth Ann Morgan. Bill always said that he didn't want any fuss when he died. Rather than taking time to come to a memorial service, he wanted people instead to spend that time helping someone in need. His family would like to welcome family members and friends to join them for a prayer service at 11:15 on Sunday, July 28 in Miller Parlor at Stone United Methodist Church, at 956 South Main St. in Meadville, following the 10:00 am worship service. Please come in fellowship to celebrate his life and to share stories in remembrance of Bill. Contributions may be made to the family in care of Stone United Methodist Church.