John Martin Sheffield

John Martin Sheffield of Longwood, Florida passed away in his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. John was born on February 6,1943 in Esto Florida, a small town in the Florida panhandle. He graduated from Bonifay High School in 1960. In 1961 he enlisted in The United States Air Force. Upon returning from Basic Training later that year, he married the love of his life, Shirley Sue (Golden), and they enjoyed more than 61 years together. Soon after, he was sent to England where he proudly served his country at Lakenheath AFB as a Cryptographers Mate. Upon returning to the States, he was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Brevard County Florida with Shirley, and firstborn daughter Tonia. They soon grew their family with daughters Nichele, Noelle, and son Cory. John discovered his passion for computers and technology while in The Air Force and went on to have a successful and rewarding career in the technology industry on The Space Coast and later in Central Florida.

John enjoyed fishing (especially fly fishing), watching most sports (with a special fondness for soccer - he coached his own teams to several championships), having a good meal (particularly oysters he steamed on his grill or a turkey he fried, and he made the best hush puppies ever!). He loved a good time around the poker table and a long ride in the country. He was partial to a good project, whether it be adding a room on to their home or building a beautiful weekend home on the river with Shirley, for the family to enjoy. John never met a stranger. It was truly amazing how he could get people to talk to him about themselves, a gift he generously passed on to many of his children and grandchildren. But the best gift he ever gave was his gift of storytelling. His family feels especially blessed to have had a first row seat in the theater of his life and privileged to have heard his many (and sometimes incredible) tales. They will miss his jokester ways, unique sense of humor, his many hats, and being his captive audience for a marathon story session.

John is survived by his eternally loving wife Shirley and the family they both love very much: Daughter Tonia Brewer and her sons Tristan (+Kristine), Joshua, and Keller. Daughter Nichele Harris (+Michael), and their sons Brett (+Penny and great grandchild #2 due Jan. 2023), Connor, and Dillon. Daughter Noelle Mena, her son Joey (+Allie and their son Remy, first great-grandchild) and daughter Isis. Their only son Cory, his daughter Jordyn Kerce (+Spencer), his son Bryce (+Amanda).

We miss you and will love you forever Johnny, Dad, Pappa….

John will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Florida National Cemetery