Obituary of Thomas Steven Sheffield

Thomas Steven (Steve) Sheffield, beloved son, husband, and father passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2011 following a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Webb Sheffield of Alpharetta, GA. He is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Karen, and their two children, Jordan Avery and Evan Lanier of Dacula, GA; his father Tommy and step mother Joan Sheffield of Gainesville, GA; grandparent, Jane Chennault, Gainesville, GA; father and mother-in-law, George and Reka Bedsole, Columbus, GA; brother-in-law, David Bedsole, Columbus, GA; nephews, Josh Bedsole, Florida and Michael Bedsole, Hawaii; sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Eddie Damewood, Huntsville, AL; nieces Jackie and Laura Damewood; aunt, Betty Webb Mansell; first cousin, Jean McGarity; uncle, Bill Sheffield, Gulfport, MS; cousins, Bernice and Roy Bennett, Wanda Joiner, Wayne and Elizabeth Joiner, all of Kosciusko, MS; Pat and Ray Spence of Carrier, MS, Billie Jean Sheffield and Skip Sheffield, Gulfport, MS. Last, but certainly not least, Steve is survived by numerous close friends and neighbors and his beloved dogs and companions, Spanky and Ella. Steve was born May 23, 1959 at Northeast Georgia Hospital in Hall County, and attended Chandler Street Elementary and Fair Street Schools in Gainesville. He graduated from LaGrange Academy in LaGrange, Georgia in 1977 and later received a BS from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1981. He earned his MBA from Auburn University and was employed in various financial management related positions during his working career. Most recently, he worked as a practice manager for Athens Vascular Specialists in Athens, GA. Steve's greatest joys included being a devoted husband and father, photography, tennis, water skiing, and activities at the beach. He delighted in family gatherings and activities on the water, and was never short on a humorous story or witty quip to lighten an otherwise serious mood. He lived life to the fullest as an avid tennis and volleyball player, a Boy Scout leader, and a devoted Christian. He was soft spoken and had a huge love of children and dogs. He and his family are members of Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 20th from 6-8 pm at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel, 3481 Hamilton Mill Road, Buford, GA 30519. The Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, August 21st at Dacula United Methodist Church. Dr. Matthew Mitchell and Rev. Kevin Miller will officiate. Interment will follow at Alpharetta City Cemetery, Milton Ave., Alpharetta, GA 30009. Flowers will be accepted, but those who wish may make donations in Steve's honor can give to the American Heart Association or to the American Red Cross. Steve will be sorely missed by all the friends and family who love him. Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Steve at www.hamiltonmillchapel.com