W.T. Shumake & Daughters

March 1, 1941 - March 8, 2026

Charles Fields, 85, of Louisville transitioned on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Visitation 12pm-1pm Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 1pm. Burial Petersburg-Newburg Cemetery.

Charles Fields was born on March 1, 1941, in Warrior, Alabama, to Martha Collins Fields and William Fields. The youngest of his siblings, Charles grew up in the country where he developed a strong work ethic and a remarkable set of skills that would shape the course of his life. Under the guidance of his Uncle Pep, a talented brick mason, Charles learned the craft of laying brick, concrete, rock, and stone. He was a natural—his artistry, precision, and vision quickly set him apart.

By adulthood, Charles was running his own successful brick masonry contracting business. He not only excelled in his trade but also invested in the next generation, employing and teaching young men the skills of the craft. His work was so exceptional that it was featured in the Louisville newspaper, highlighting his creative designs in patio decks, driveways, home entrances, mailboxes, and more. With an eye for possibility, Charles could transform ordinary materials—often found in rock creeks, wooded areas, or even dumpsters—into extraordinary works of art.
His creativity extended far beyond masonry. Charles was gifted in drawing and sketching, and he carved intricate images from wood scraps—pieces worthy of the finest homes. His talents didn’t stop there. Charles was also a phenomenal cook, known for his mastery of the grill. Steaks, fish, chicken, liver and onions—everything he prepared was chef quality. He often filled the grill with pots of vegetables, corn on the cob, and hearty goulash. In the kitchen, he was just as skilled, crafting mac & cheese and down-home country meals that brought comfort and joy to those he loved.

In his spare time, Charles cherished being with family, riding motorcycles, and working on cars. He was a proud member of the Screaming Eagles Motorcycle Club.

On November 2, 1962, Charles married the love of his life, Betty Jean Fields. Together, they built a strong partnership in both life and business, raising their five children in a home filled with love, warmth, and purpose.

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Charles Fields departed this life. His legacy of love, craftsmanship, generosity, and creativity will continue to live on through his family and all who were touched by his presence. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Donna Lynnette Mattingly (Tim), Brenda Ann Lauderdale (Nathan), Michael Lee Fields (LaTosha), Mary Ellen Leavell (Michael), Yolanda Jean Wicker (Vincent); 11 grandchildren: Gary Montel Fields, Jordan Edward Shaw, Jessica Marie Brown, Brittany LeAnn Brown, Mikella Chantelle Fields (James), Cameron Michael Brown, Spencer Christian Shaw, Nikolas Benjamin Jansing, CieAyra Zena Fields, Taylor Vincent Wicker, and Madelyn Jean Wicker; 9 great-grandchildren: Makayla BreAnn Johnson, Farrah Rose Marie Shaw, Jayden Jeremy Price, Amari Montel Fields, Jonah Levi Price, Clayton Shaw, Bexley Anna-Marie Price, Kamia Raelle Fields, and Camden Michael Brown; and a host of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and William Fields; his beloved wife, Betty Jean Fields; his children, Gary Lee Fields and Chaz Fields; and his siblings Lucy Mae Fields Johnson, Phyllistine Parker, Jesse Mae Fields, Matthew Fields, William Fields, and Connie Fields.