Melvin Mitchem Shields

Melvin Mitchem Shields “Papa”, 88, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023, at home with his family by his side. Melvin lived most of his life in Dandy until he and his wife moved to Poquoson in 2013 where they shared a home with their children, Mallory and Cathy.

Melvin was a charter member of Dandy Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and for many years drove the church bus picking up children for Sunday School and Junior Church. Melvin attended York County School and Poquoson High School where he played football and drove the school bus. For many years he and his wife Phyllis operated Shields Store in Dandy until 1972, he then worked and retired from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in the Sheet Metal (X32) Department after 35 continuous years.

Melvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He loved the time he spent at the Outer Banks, and, for as long as he was able, he loved to garden. He loved music, especially Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Goodman Family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Susie and Malory Shields; son, Wendell Shields; sister, Marian Shields Williams; and brother, Norman G. Shields, Sr., Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Phyllis McAlwee Shields; son and daughter-in-law, Mallory and Cathy Shields; grandchildren, Joshua Shields, Elizabeth Shields Gantt (Jayden), Kenneth Morse (Jamie); great-grandchildren, Wyatt Gantt, Wade Gantt, Aaron Morse and Hunter Stingel and well as many other special nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends 6:30 – 8 p.m. Thursday February 9th at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 10th in the chapel of Claytor Rollins. A private burial will take place in Peninsula Memorial Park.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance by the staff of Claytor Rollins Funeral Home

Condolences to claytorrollins.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Mitchem Shields, please visit our floral store.