Sheilds (Shields) McDuffie Cochran passed away March 26th, 2024 after months of courageously battling Neuroendocrine Tumor Cancer. Shields leaves this world wrapped in prayer and into the Kingdom of Heaven. Shields held many treasured friendships and his circle included immeasurable amounts of loved ones. The list of people who Shields’ life intertwines with is more than can be quantified in an obituary. Shields possessed a gift for genuinely loving people and learning about them and their families, etching important facts about their lives in his memory. He never forgot a name, and his memory was a database that was hard to fathom. It wasn’t uncharacteristic of him to cross paths with someone years or decades later and he immediately recognized them and made them feel as if they had just seen each other. His positive and fun-loving attitude was infectious. If you had a conversation with Shields, it ended with a smile on his face and a smile on yours. He forever viewed himself as a farm kid from Taylors and saw the world through that same childlike optimism. He, like many, faced hurdles in his life but attacked adversity with an attitude that failure was never an option. The effort he put into life was evident through the energy and enthusiasm that radiated from his persona. It was rare to see him dressed in anything other than a suit and tie. Business casual wasn’t in his vocabulary. Shields is one of those few people who can simply be remembered by his first name. If you uttered the word Shields from your lips, it was hard not to follow it with a fond smile and a good story. South Carolina will be a little quieter and move a little slower without Shields.
In Shields professional life, he had two, 25-year careers. First as a minister for 25 years and second as a banker for 25 more years. He reached unchartered success in each and was forever thankful to have the opportunity to serve and for the individuals he served shoulder to shoulder with. Throughout his life, special bonds were formed, and he cherished the opportunity to make someone’s life just a little bit better than before they knew him. This was evident as any organization he was part of flourished and grew.
In Shields educational path he was very proud of his class and time at Wade Hampton High School. He drove his classmates to school as a school bus driver at the age of 16, parking the bus at their family farm at night. He traveled the state showing livestock and winning blue ribbon after blue ribbon with his brothers. His senior year he won the South Carolina State Fair showing hogs while representing Wade Hampton FFA. In his postsecondary education, Shields held many degrees. This included an A.A. from North Greenville University, a BA from Furman University and a M.A. from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.
In his personal life, he fed off the excitement that filled the air when he showed up at any gathering. It usually started with a witty comment or two as he walked in the door, followed by finding all the kids and inserting himself into their activity. He enjoyed good conversation, good food and retelling his favorite stories. When telling these stories, Shields held a poetic license that captured the attention of both young and old.
Shields is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn. His two children Connie Boroff (Stan) and Jay Cochran (Mikel), 6 Grandchildren; Chloe, Davis, Kate, Emma, Ivy and Dawson. His Identical twin brother Neil (Candy) and older brother Mack (Becky). Many, many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins along with many, many close friendships that span decades. Shields was preceded in death by his younger brother Alan (Kathy).
Special and heartfelt thanks go to: Shields’ oncology team headed by Dr. Joe Stephenson; to VIA Health Partners (Hospice), specifically including Aimee, ReNelle, Angie and Keila; and to St. Paul’s Church staff and members for their prayers and support.
Services will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church (Camperdown Way) on Saturday, April 6th at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Paul’s Anglican Church or a donation in Shields’ name to your favorite charity.
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