Tommy R. Shields

Tommy R. Shields, of Terrell, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023 with family at his side. Tommy was born April 19, 1943 in Fairy, TX to Clyde D. Shields and wife, Anita Gaston Shields, both of whom preceded him in death along with his son, Scott Shields, his siblings: Betty Le Blanc, Kenneth Shields; stepchildren: Randy Hall, Debra Foreman and daughter-in-law, Vickie L. Hall. Tommy grew up in Richmond, TX and graduated from high school after which he enlisted and served honorably with the US Air Force. He was stationed in Alaska and North Dakota. Tommy returned from the service after the untimely passing of his father, to take care of his family's needs. He began working as a jeweler in Richmond, learning the subtleties of designing custom pieces of jewelry and statement pieces. Tommy then married, started a family, moved to Dallas and began working for Everett's Jewelers in downtown Dallas. As his profession expanded, he started his own business, DIAMOND T JEWELERS, where he worked for 47 years. Many years later, he met a lady working in the same building who would become his most brilliant jewel of all: Saundra Crozier, (Sandy), who needed a customized piece of jewelry. He asked her out for dinner. After three years, they combined their dreams, their families and built a friendship that turned into a love story for the ages filled with love, laughter and faith. Tommy and Sandy shared many personality qualities including a devotion of Sandy's for MADD, an organization they were both active in because of the loss of Sandy's oldest son. Tommy also had a deep faith and was a member of Dallas County Cowboy Church and was very active with the Chuck Wagon Team and then later joining Ridin' High Cowboy Church when they moved to Terrell. He was a man who valued the simple things: honesty, integrity, family and serving the Lord and his welcoming smile and ever-present willingness to help anyone at any time will be the timeless legacy that his family will be proud to carry on into future generations. Tommy leaves his memory to be cherished by his wife of over 23 years, Sandy Shields of Terrell; son, Casey Shields and wife, Jenny, of Wylie; step son, Jeffrey Hall and wife, Debra, of Forney; grandchildren: Ava and Aiden Shields (twins), Rebecca Hallman (Tim) and Jacob Hall (twins); Elizabeth Hall and Nikki Foreman, as well as surviving son-in-law, Charles Foreman of Forney, along with other nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. A celebration of his life will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel, located at 642 N. Rockwall Ave., Terrell, Texas. 75160. His family would greatly appreciate that instead of flowers, card, notes and memories be shared instead of Tommy so that they can always have a keepsake of how Tommy made other's lives brighter.

Tributes

Tommy R. Shields

April 19, 1943 - October 19, 2023