Eugene Shields, Jr. was born February 3, 1974 in Winston-Salem, NC to Eugene Shields, Sr. and the late Shirley Mae Hunt Shields.

He attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and graduated from West Forsyth High School in June 1992.  Eugene, Jr., was affectionately known by his family and friends as, "Lil' Gene."  While Gene, Jr. always had an avid love for football, it was in high school where he begins to exercise his love for the sport on the field.  Gene, Jr. joined the West Forsyth football team as an offensive tackle his freshman year in high school.  He often shared stories of his Uncle Mike playing sports on the college level.  It motivated him to push and play in college. In the Spring of 1997, Gene, Jr.'s dream finally came true.  He enrolled at Livingstone College majoring in Business Administration and begin to play with the Livingstone College Bears. His football career came to an abrupt halt due to a knee injury received before his first season game opener. Although, his football career ended, his love for football never went away.  He was a huge Dallas Cowboy fan and equally loved his UNC Tarheels.  He often teased his boys about the Dallas Cowboys being the only team they should know. Although he was never able to play football again, Gene, Jr., returned to Livingstone College to complete his degree. He was recognized by the famous radio announcer, Tom Joyner, as one of the "Real Fathers, Real Men."  As an award recipient, Tom Joyner paid his final semester of college tuition and spoke as the keynote speaker at his college graduation. Shortly after the passing of his mother, Gene, Jr. celebrated his college graduation in May 2007.

More than playing football, Gene, Jr. had an avid love for family and ministry.  His early church years began at Temple Holiness Apostolic Church (COGIJCA) in Winston Salem, NC. At the age of 12, God gifted him with the ministry of playing drums.  In 1990, he became a member of Miracle Temple Apostolic Church (COGIJCA) with his parents.  As a child, Gene, Jr., was an active cub scout and a member of the Boys Club at Temple Holiness. He spent several childhood summers with his church family at The Homestead in Walkertown, NC.  Gene, Jr., ministered many years playing the drums for praise and devotion services. Gene, Jr. joined Mt Calvary Holy Church in the spring of 2000.  Under the new leadership of Elder Daniel L. Russell, he continued to play the drums and was ordained deacon in 2001.  He was appointed chairperson of the deacon board in 2002.  Gene, Jr., returned to his home church before the passing of his mother in 2006.  He also served as a deacon at Transformation Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop Stephone Samuels.

Gene was last employed by Industries for the Blind (IFB) for over 10 plus years until his health challenges.  He began working in the packing and sorting area of the warehouse and moved to various departments as he gained additional skills.  In his leisure, it gave him great joy to play the drums for his work gospel choir at IFB.  In addition to his work choir, he continued to play drums under the leadership of Pastor Randall Cain, Jr. at New Zion Memorial Baptist Church.  He often instilled his wisdom on the drums and music expertise in his children who carry his legacy to this day.

On Sunday, July 31, 2022, Gene, Jr. peacefully exchanged his earthly vessel for his home in glory.  God saw fit to call Gene, Jr., home in the presence of his family and loved ones.

In addition to his mom, Gene, Jr., was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Capers and Willie Jane Hunt; paternal grandparents Bishop Wallace and Lucille Shields; brother Keith W. Shields.

Gene, Jr., loved his children with all his heart.  His legacy lives on thru two (2) sons: Eugene Shields, III and Christian Elijah Shields of McLeansville, NC; one (1) daughter whom he adored: Kyerra Ashlee Shields of McLeansville, NC; a special son, Marquis Lydell McMahan, Jr. of Hyattsville, MD; a loving and supporting father Eugene (Luberta) Shields, Sr., of Laurinburg, NC; devoted sister Amanda Jane Shields of High Point, NC; his favorite nephew Brandon Shields. He also leaves to cherish his memories, a host of loving aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am Monday August 8, 2022 at Zion Memorial Baptist Church, 101 N. Dunleith Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27101, with Bishop San Juan C. Timmons officiating and Bishop Daniel L. Russell Eulogist.