Roy Howard Shields

Roy Howard Shields of Martinsburg, West Virginia, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at the age of 97. Roy was born on May 21, 1924, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to the late William and Margaret (Kunkel) Shields. Roy married Dorothy May Swanson in Cumberland, Maryland, on June 2, 1947. They lived most of their lives in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, until they moved to Martinsburg, West Virginia, in 2006, to be closer to their six children. Roy attended Greensburg Salem High School. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the United States Army as a combat engineer. He received numerous medals, including the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Army of Occupation medal, and the Good Conduct medal. Roy enjoyed a 47-year career as a printer with the Tribune-Review newspaper in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. While there, he served as the President of the Union for many years, and managed and played on the Tribune-Review softball team until his retirement in 1989. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Roy was a dedicated father, husband, and provider for his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy May (Swanson) Shields, brothers Laurence Shields, Lester Shields, (half-brother) Homer Fester, and sisters Pearl Jannenga, Violet Kusch, and Verne Houck. Roy is survived by his children Linda Udovich (William), of Chesapeake, Virginia; Sondra Shields of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Roy Allen Shields (Bonita), of Silver Spring, Maryland; Cindy Homer (Tom), of Columbia, Virginia; Leslie Freeman (Rick), of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Kimberley Harris (Duane), of Falling Waters, West Virginia; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2022 (Roy’s birthday) at 4 p.m., in the Martinsburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2407 Delmar Orchard Road, Martinsburg, WV 25403. Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, Maryland, and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.