March 3, 2023
Gregory Cleveland Shields passed peacefully in his sleep on January 30th, 2023. He was born to Charles Clay Shields and Betty Wilson Shields on March 23rd, 1954 in Lexington, KY, where he grew up and attended Lafayette High School. The first of two children, he is predeceased by his beloved mother, father, and sister, Sherrie Clay Shields. At Transylvania University, he studied biology and political science, and later, at the University of Kentucky, zoology. In 1984, he graduated from Cornell Law School and started his 37-year career as an attorney, which culminated in founding his own Shields Law Office across the street from the Catlettsburg, KY courthouse.
Since moving with his family in 1990, he has lived in the same home in South Ashland, KY. He is survived by his ex-wife, Shannon L. Shields; his son James J. Shields, daughter Kathleen S. Shields (Mark Musekamp), and twin sons John J. Shields (Mary) and Clay C. Shields; as well as his grandson John G. Musekamp. His children's talents, from chef to gunsmith, attorney to poet, all attest to the passions he shared as a father. In addition to his deep love of literature and music, he enjoyed hiking and talking about all things nature and animal-related, especially his dog, Bob. For years in a row, he volunteered at Charles Russell Elementary to teach children all about owls.
Because he could find something to talk about with anyone, he is also survived by his many friends. He played golf as often as possible, took his dog everywhere, and could easily be spotted by his Bob Marley license plate frame. An active member of AA for over 20 years, he received and gave support to innumerable people in recovery.
A visitation will be held at Lazear Funeral Home at 3PM on March 4th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boyd County Animal Shelter.