George Curtiss O'Shields

After a lengthy illness, George Curtiss O’Shields passed away on May 3, 2025, surrounded by his family at his Orange Park, FL home. George (known also as Curtiss) was born to Laura Belle and Joseph Luther O’Shields on November 9, 1948, in Atlanta, GA. Curtiss had three older brothers: Harold, Wayne and Frank. The boys spent their youth hunting and fishing with their father in the fields and lakes of Georgia. Curtiss followed in his brothers’ footsteps by playing football and serving as Student Body President for O’Keefe High School.

After a year at the University of Georgia, Curtiss joined the U.S. Marine Corps and spent two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return, he joined his parents who had retired to Ocklawaha, FL, a favorite family vacation spot, and finished his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Florida. He married the girl next door, Marietta LaVonne Odom, accepted a position as an accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and moved to Jacksonville. While in Jacksonville, he received his CPA license and worked for Charter Company during an exciting phase in that company’s life. Later, Curt joined the Florida Department of Insurance, which led to his last career move as a consultant to insurance commissions throughout the United States.

Curtiss and LaVonne lost two sons, Patrick Ryan and Michael Garrett, in infancy but were blessed with a daughter, Lauren Elizabeth. Lauren lives near Chicago with her husband David Price and their two delightful twins, Ryan and Caroline.

Curtiss enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, "riding the woods," skiing, cruising, exploring the world, Gator football and spending time with his family and friends. He was blessed with a fulfilling career, a loving family, a close group of treasured friends and caring neighbors. In Curtiss’ last years, he was cared for by his devoted wife, loving mother-in-law, Helen Odom, and skilled and compassionate CNA, Phyllis Livingston.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Club Continental, 2143 Astor Street, Orange Park, FL 32073.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to K-9s for Warriors or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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