Mr. Cecil Hildred Shields, 86, of Granite Falls, passed away on Friday March 21, 2025, at UNC Healthcare, Valdese, after a period of declining health.

Mr. Shields was born February 19, 1939, in Macon County, North Carolina, a son of the late Emmett and Myrtle Grant Shields.  He was a retired machine operator for General Electric in Hickory.  Cecil enjoyed Bee Keeping and being a member of the Bee Keepers Association.  He was a loving father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Pauline Cannon Shields, four sisters, Margaret West, Reba Grant, Chloe Latta, Sue Pearson and two brothers, Willard and Steve Shields.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Chris Shields and wife Lisa of Granite Falls, a sister, Ann Shields of Bryson City and the apple of his eye, his grandson, Nicholas Shields (Darby Bagshaw) of Crozet, VA.

Funeral Services for Cecil Hildred Shields will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday March 24, 2025, in the Baton United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rich Irwin officiating.   Interment will follow in the Baton United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:00 P.M. Monday at Baton United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Amorem, Burke Hospice, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.