Ray Sheffield

Ray Sheffield, 84, former sheriff of Clarke County and lifelong resident of Grove Hill passed away Sunday, May 22, 2022, at his home.
He was born on January 9, 1938, to Willie and Sadie Skipworth Sheffield. After graduating from Clarke County High School, he served as a member of the Alabama National Guard as military police during the Berlin Crisis. He was also an active member of Grove Hill Baptist Church where he served as deacon. He ran for sheriff of Clarke County in 1970 and won, beginning a 24-year career as one of the most beloved and respected sheriffs in this area. Along with his wife, he also owned Deas Insurance from 1976 to 2001. He served on the First United Security Bank board for multiple years. Upon retiring from many years of public service, he enjoyed working in his yard, spending time with his family and watching the Alabama Crimson Tide. He will always be remembered for his jovial personality.
He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Jane Powell Sheffield; his children Randy (Christy) Sheffield, Tammy (Bo) Cross, and Tony (Rene') Sheffield; grandchildren Jami (Michael) Kaplan, Mark (Charley) Sheffield, Meg (Hunter) Furrow, Sam Stabler, Hunter (Caitlin) Cross, Mary Ray (Casey) Brutkiewicz, Rob (Danaka) Dickinson, and Chad (Maggie) Dickinson; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Larry Gene (Marie) Sheffield.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Willie B. Sheffield, Henry Lee Sheffield, Ralph Sheffield, Grady Sheffield, Nell Smith, Alda Rae Woolfolk, Clarice Hoven, Katherine Sessions.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to service at Grove Hill Baptist Church. Interment at Magnolia Lawn cemetery in Grove Hill.
Pallbearers are Michael Kaplan, Mark Sheffield, Hunter Furrow, Hunter Cross, Casey Brutkiewicz, Rob Dickinson, and Chad Dickinson.
Heartfelt thanks go to the following faithful friends Cobbie Robinson, Herbert Chapman, and Tina Davis. Also thanks to the following for their love and kindness they showed to Ray: Rosa Robinson, Della Williams, Leila Jones, Felicia Black, Tanya Thomas, and Southern Care Hospice.
Honorary Pallbearers are members of the John Becton Men's Class, Grove Hill Baptist Church.
Any donations in his memory can be made to Grove Hill Baptist Church or the Alabama Sheriff Boy's and Girl's Ranch (P.O. Box 240009 Montgomery, AL 36124-0009).
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.lathanfuneralhome.com