Herbert Alvin Sheffield
November 29, 1929 - April 4, 2019
Herbert was born in Colquitt, Georgia at the beginning of the Great
Depression. Times were tough and Herb's family moved to the Lakeland
area in 1934. Herb, as he was known to his friends, grew up in Highland
City where he attended Highland City Elementary and went on to graduate
from Bartow High School in the class of 1948. Herb got married and was
drafted in 1950 during the Korean War, and spent three years in the army.
After his service, Herb came home to Lakeland and worked various jobs,
but it was in 1955 that he began his career with International Chemical and
Minerals company. After ten years of employment with I.M.C., Herb was
offered a chance to relocate to the country of India as an instructor. Herb
taught the Indian workers how to operate a fertilizer plant. When he returned
to Florida in 1969, Herb worked locally for a couple years before traveling
overseas again, this time to Iran. After a year, he brought his family over and
they lived abroad for an additional year. After coming home, I.M.C. offered
him a position that was located in Mexico, where Herb and his family lived
for two years while he set up another chemical plant.
Upon his return, I.M.C. offered him the chance to participate in the
construction of a new plant here in Mulberry. Herb was one of the first three
employees hired by the New Wales plant. After 35 years in the phosphate
industry, Herb retired in 1991.
Beginning his retirement, Herb bought a home on the Kissimmee River
chain and enjoyed fishing and relaxing on the water. Wanting to explore the
mountains, he relocated to North Carolina, where he stayed most of the year
and traveled the remainder.
After living in the mountains, Herb bought a home in Tennessee where
he stayed for several years. He returned to Lakeland in 1998 where he lived
the rest of his life, enjoying spending time with his family.
Herb is survived by his loving family, including his brothers, Marlin
“Kitter,” of Highland City, FL, Lonnie (Bobbie), of Ohio, Dale, of Lakeland,
FL, his son, Daryl (Carol), daughters, Katrina (Richard), Becky (Carl) along
with four grandchildren Brittany (Keith), Elizabeth, Daryl, and Steven, as
well as two step-grandchildren, Leanna (Lucas) and Marcus. Herb was
fortunate enough to also have three great-granddaughters, Amelia, Charlotte,
and Caroline. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, and
cousins.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 8, 2019, at 11 a.m., at Lakeland Memorial Gardens.
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