Stuart Craig Shields
Stuart Craig Shields, age 34, left the surly bonds of his earthly home for his heavenly home suddenly on August 14, 2024, from the effects of a seizure disorder. He was born on May 10, 1990, in Danville, VA to Teresa Moore Shields and Frank M. Shields.
In addition to his parents, Stuart leaves behind to cherish his memory his sister, Chelsea Burns, and her husband, Robert, of Danville, VA; his cherished niece and nephew, Francesca and Sebastian Burns; godparents, Lisa Shields and Craig Howie; his uncle, Barry Shields; his fur baby, Barkley; and a host of childhood, college, and work friends whom he loved deeply. Stuart was predeceased by his dear “Uncle Tom” Shields, with whom he shared a passion for all things Hokie.
Stuart earned his Eagle Scout in 2005 and attended the prestigious National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill that year. He was a 2008 Honor Graduate of George Washington High School and grew up participating in football and soccer sports teams where teammates often said it was more fun to sit the bench with Stuart than to be in the game playing. He was a member of the ACE Team, and a reporter for The Chatterbox.
Stuart was very academically gifted and completed his bachelor's degree from William and Mary in just two years; graduating in 2010. He then attended Wingate University School of Pharmacy and completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 2016. He worked as a pharmacist for K-Mart, Walgreens, Harris Teeter, and most recently with Kroger in Rocky Mount, VA.
Stuart was a fun-loving, sweet soul who was adventurous, kind, thoughtful, and loved living life to the fullest. He packed so much life into his short thirty-four years. He enjoyed lots of world travel experiences with his close friends to India, the United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, Columbia, Spain, Germany, and many other European countries. He had many friends because he was a great confidant. Scott Aiken, Stuart’s lifelong friend from childhood, with whom he conquered Governor’s School, as well as many other challenges, can attest to that fact.
Stuart loved family cruise vacations, disc golf, all water sports, playing cards, hiking, and creating and eating exotic foods. He dearly loved his family; Stuart got his big, wide- open heart from his Mama, whom he always called his superhero. He inherited his love of travel, languages and history from his Pops. Stuart always looked up to his big sister, Chelsea, and he intrepidly followed her first, into the pharmacist profession and then on a memorable trip to Cuba. Stuart adored his niece and nephew; Uncle Stuart was “the best” playmate, because he was a child at heart.
The following is an excerpt from Stuart’s purpose and life’s ambition statement he wrote for his Eagles Scout Project, and he truly lived it out to the fullest in his brief life span:
“I believe my purpose is to make the lives of those who surround me more enjoyable. The formative years of youth are undoubtedly the most enjoyable of one’s life. I hope to enrich the lives of children, whether my own or orphans. My ambitions consist mainly of finding a deeper purpose in the lives we live as human beings. I strive to make a lasting mark on mankind.”
Stuart attended First PH Church his entire life and his faith in God was the anchor of his life. He looked to the Lord for strength and guidance; and he was mindful and thankful for God’s grace.
Although we may no longer physically see Stuart, we know he has left an indelible mark on all of us blessed enough to have known him. All our memories of Stuart will always continue to bring sunshine into our lives. We will miss his witty sense of humor, his contagious smile, his teddy-bear hugs, and his love of life. Stuart will be deeply loved forever and will never be forgotten. He certainly accomplished his goal and made a lasting mark on many.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Monday, August 19th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Norris Funeral Home Mount Hermon Chapel at 3995 Franklin Turnpike, Danville, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. at First Pentecostal Holiness Church at 1810 N. Main Street, Danville, VA. Pastor Myron Bruce will be officiating the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at First PH Church, 1818 N. Main Street, Danville, VA 24540 in Stuart’s memory.
