Ocie Shields

When we reflect on the life Ocie, our memories capture an unforgettable man whose God-given talents and kind spirit were the hallmark of his character. These inspiring attributes were anchored by his fear of the Lord and his unwavering love of family and friends. He is remembered for his embracing and infectious smile and his steadfast I’ll-be-there-if-you-need-me manner. Quiet, gracious and gruff - he dished some of the funniest expressions ever.

He was known to many as a musician and his immersive blues music will forever tug our heart strings. With his masterful strum, the natural born bass guitarist entertained the community along with his band -The Natchitoches Blues-Men which featured the late Major Helaire - noted by the Louisiana Folk Life Center. Professionally, he spent many years as a foreman at the Natchitoches Oil Mill. Outside the mill, ‘The Great Outdoorsman’ avidly watched passersby, strong-armed fishing lines; was a proud Chiefs Football spectator. In his healthier days, he amassed the treasure from sprawling pecan trees. And his awe-inspiring craftsmanship of a collage of woodworks will serve as a memorial of his God-given gift.

He was the fourth son, born July 20, 1941 to the late Joella Davis Shields Hart and the late Columbus Shields, Sr. in Natchitoches, LA. He modeled kindness, courage, friendship, and so much more. Our Heavenly Father called him from earth to his heavenly reward July 13, 2020 in McKinney, TX while in the care of medical staff at Medical Center McKinney. He gave his life to Christ at a young age and reaffirmed his salvation in December 2018. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Paul Baptist Church in Natchitoches, LA under the leadership of Rev. Leo Walker, Sr.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Beverly Shields and siblings Emma Lee Shields, Waymon Shields, and Grant Shields.
His meaningful life is survived by his children, Shirley Holmes of Houston, TX, Johnathan Shields of Dallas (Fuleesha), TX, Rozlyn Shields Geason (Cory) of Prosper, TX, and Shonda Nobles of Natchitoches, LA; his siblings, Columbus Shields, Jr. (Glo) Nora Fowler, Shirley Young (James), Lonnie Shields, Sr., and Rosa Hamilton (Joseph) all of Natchitoches, LA; grandchildren, Tiesha Turner, Johnathan Johnson, Candace Toussaint, Courtney Reed, Mesha Black, Johnathan Shields, Jr., Isaiah Shields, Ivana Woods, Kayla Shields, Samantha Shields, Xavier Holmes, Demorris Holmes, Cynthia Holmes, Cuodrian Holmes, Symone Holmes, Iris Holmes, Cordell Early, Valashia Nobles, Gregory Allen, and Cory Geason; great grandchildren, Zamira, Robyn, Londyn, Kavari, Mychia, Jamuri, Ayla, Janelle, Asia, Aliyah, Chase, E’lasa, Curodjane, JC, and Cavari; his best friend, Donald Pratt.

HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED!