Carlos J. Shields

Born in Cincinnati, OH to Carlos Pierce Shields and Mary Elizabeth Shields, Carl was raised in Ludlow, KY where he became a high school football star as a middle linebacker and offensive guard. He was named to the All-Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Team and the Northern Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police All-Star Team.

Carl went on to play football at Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY where he was a four-year letterman as a middle linebacker and right guard. His senior year, Carl was one of the blockers that helped set the Georgetown College single game rushing record.

Carl married Perrin Sue Powers in 1965 and was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Susan S. Gum (Shields) of Charlotte, NC and Michelle E. Kern (Shields) of Cumming, GA. During their marriage they lived in Elyria, OH, Vermilion, OH, Colts Neck, NJ, Alexander City, AL and Knoxville, TN. He worked hard to be a great provider for his family and loved spending time on the lake with them. Carl and Perrin Sue divorced in 1986. Carl married Jacqueline (Jackie) B. Ferguson in 1991 and enjoyed almost 30 years of marriage together when Jackie passed away suddenly in 2020. They spent most of their married life in Fort Lauderdale, FL where they enjoyed boating and making friends together. They were long-time members of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club where Carl served as Governor.

Carl enjoyed incredible success in his career in sporting goods which included stops at Johnson & Johnson, Russell Athletic, Bike Athletic, Delong Sportswear, and Rawlings Sporting Goods. Carl joined Rawlings as their Vice President of Sales in 1988. In July of 1994, he was named Chairman, CEO, and President of Rawlings. During this tenure he led Rawlings through a successful initial public stock offering where all 7,650,000 shares were sold. As a result of his business accomplishments, Carl was named the 1995-96 ServiceMaster-NAIA Distinguished Graduate of the Year.

Throughout his life Carl was a dedicated and loyal friend who was known for his generosity. Despite living in many different states, he easily made friends and stayed close to those he met in all of the places he lived. Even during his last days, he often asked about his family and friends. Carl was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

In addition to his daughters Susan and Michelle, Carl is survived by his six grandchildren.

In the most important decision he ever made, Carl prayed to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior in October of 2021. Because of this we know he is now in heaven where we will see him again!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/charlotte-nc-cremation for the Shields family.