Rev. Raymond Luther Shields, age 66 of Murphy, passed away Tuesday Evening, April 3, 2012 at his home.Mr. Shields was born March 6, 1946 in Cherokee County, NC to the late Dennis Marvin and Beulah Stiles Shields. He was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and had served as an area minister for 37 years, He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sister, Geneva Barton and brother, C.S. Shields.

Survivors include: wife of 44 years, Joyce Sneed Shields, son, Jeffrey (Leslie) Shields, daughter, Angie (Clay) Macon, daughter, Julie (Eddie) Mathis, brothers, Bobby Joe Shields and Gene Shields, grandchildren, Conner & Caitlyn Shields, Clay Whitener, Emily, Lauren & Parker Macon, Morgan & Lily Mathis, great granddaughter, Addison Whitener, nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services: Friday, April 6, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Ware and Rev. Jerry Karnes officiating. Music provided by, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Adult and Youth Choirs. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers: Tom Anderson, Donnie Fleming, Matthew Sneed, Michael Sneed, Greg Shields and Gene Ware. Honorary pallbearers: Earl Ware, Max Ware, Larry Shope, Clay Whitener, Ronnie Palmer, Billy Franklin, Ronnie Crisp, Jonathan Rowland and James Shope.

The body will be in state at the church by 1:30 Friday.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home Murphy, Thursday, April 05, 2012 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.