Robert Theodore “Ted” Sheffield, 51, died Monday, December 19, 2022 as the result of an automobile/train collision. Born August 18, l971 to the late Hoyt Sheffield and Ann Gusmus Sheffield, he was raised in the Catholic faith at St. James Catholic Church. He attended the Tupelo Public Schools graduating in 1990 while making many friends with his outgoing personality and winning ways. He attended Itawamba Community College and entered the automobile business with his legendary auto sales family, the Sheffield’s, at Tupelo Auto Sales- the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership. His late father, Hoyt Sheffield, was his mentor. Ted was born with the gift of gab. He was naturally loquacious. He never met a stranger and there was never a topic he didn’t enjoy discussing with a friend. He loved to cook and develop his own recipes. He brought bargain shopping to a new art level and was always generous with friends and family sharing his bargain finds. Smart in decision making, his decision to marry Sharon Cooper Sheffield was the best choice he ever made. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Max and Liz. Ted was a family man. He left the car business to take care of his children, who were his world. They traveled together to regional athletic events including soccer, baseball and football. He volunteered as a soccer coach, coaching both of his children’s teams. Ted befriended everyone as he was a genuine friend to all mankind.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 AM Saturday, December 31, 2022 in Shelton Hall at St. James Catholic Church with Father Tim Murphy and Father Henry Shelton as celebrants. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in Saltillo. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 AM in Shelton Hall at St. James. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.
Ted is survived by his daughter, Liz Sheffield (age 7) of Blue Springs; his siblings, John Hoyt Sheffield (Lisa) of Auburn, Sherry Sheffield Davis (Mike Armour) of Tupelo and Andy Sheffield of Saltillo; his in laws, Sherry and John Fowler of Nettleton; several uncles, aunts and their families and a host of friends everywhere. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Ann Gusmus Sheffield and his nephew, Sgt. Josh Sheffield.
Pallbearers are John Hoyt Sheffield, Andy Sheffield, Ricky McKnight, Tim Foster, Mike Gusmus, James Sheffield, Jerome Sheffield, Johnny Metcalf and Jerry Burkett. Honorary pallbearers are Jason McVay and Wayne Foster. Memorials may be made to the Liz Sheffield Educational Fund, c/oSt. James Catholic Church, P. O. Box 734, Tupelo, Ms. 38802. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
