Larry Marion Shields

On July 11, 2025, at about 6:30am, Larry Marion Shields, 74 of the Saint Elmo Community passed from this imperfect life to an eternal life with his Savior Jesus Christ. He is the son of Frank and Betty McLaurin Shields. Larry was born April 20, 1951 in a small clinic in Soso, Mississippi. After moving from Mobile (the city), to the Saint Elmo Community (the country) in 1959 he became a country boy. Larry was the second of four children, his siblings are Mitchell, Steve and Pam. In November 1969 Larry graduated from Mobile County High School in Grand Bay and joined the US Air Force. He took basic training at Lackland AFB Texas, where he received the American Spirit Honor Medal; then to Sheppard AFB for training as a Loadmaster and then assigned to Dover AFB as a crewmember on C-141 aircraft. Larry served two years and received an early discharge. Larry’s concern for others and leadership abilities took him far in his short life. He ran at life head-on at top speed. He put others first and made sure they had what they needed. From early in life, it was easy for him to make friends. And he kept in contact with and would do anything for those friends. Larry developed many close friends during his life. The individual who is fortunate enough to have a best friend is truly blessed. Larry’s best friend, Bruce Turner, has stood by him and they are closer than brothers. Larry is preceded in death by his beloved wife Susian, dad Frank Shields, sister Pam Leggett and grandparents. He is survived by a stepdaughter Dawn Cottrell(Chris), a stepson Chris Black and 4 step grandchildren; his two brothers Mitchell (Daisy), Steve and Brother-in-law Richard Leggett and many nieces and nephews. Larry was known to his nieces and nephews as Uncle Bugger. That nickname is another story. The service will be conducted by Rev. Garry Harred, Senior Adult Pastor of Woodridge Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Harold Shields, Will Shields, Thomas Shields, Harry Turner, Bruce Turner, and Danny Turner. Services will be Tuesday July 15, 2025 at 1:00pm in the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home. Visitation will be 12 noon until service time. Military Honors graveside will follow in Serenity Memorial Gardens.

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Larry Marion Shields

April 20, 1951 - July 11, 2025