William “Gene” Shields, 67, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

Born in Macon Co, he was the son of the late Rev. William Shields and Clara Kiser Shields. Gene served the people of Macon County and surrounding areas for many years with Shields Monument Company. He was a member of West Franklin Church.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Hedden Shields; two children, Tonya Hodgins and husband Bryant of Franklin and Kevin Shields and wife Denise of Franklin; two brothers, Jack Shields and wife Jessie of Sylva and Gary Shields and wife Anna of Franklin; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family will have a gathering of friends from 2-3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18th at Macon Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hospice House Foundation, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744 or Appalachian Animal Rescue, PO Box 81, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.