Zeb Gilmer Sheff, Sr. was born August 8, 1945, to Zeb and Sophie Avery Sheff.  He departed this life peacefully Saturday, November 5, 2022.

He attended the local public school, later joining the Marine Corps and earning the following awards: Navy Unit Citation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with Honorable Discharge.  Mr. Sheff attended East Carolina University and studied Business and Political Science.  He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Prior to his illness, he was a faithful member at Union Baptist Church where he proudly served on the Transportation/Parking committee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Chineta H. Sheff; two brothers, Robert L. Shelf and Otis Bigelow; four sisters, Mary Alice Jones, Barbara Jean Rankin, Jo Ann Sheff and Mary Louise Walker; aunt, Ella Mae Williams; and grandson, Donald A. Hill, Jr.

He is survived by two sons, Anthony L. Sheff (Carol) and Zeb G. Sheff (Julia); daughter, Lisa (Donald) Hill and an extended family of relatives including grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Sincere appreciation to the culinary ladies, Carol Dearmon, Diane Dearmon, Peggy Dearmon, and Virgie Hawkins for the delicious home-cooked Sunday meals and desserts.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Ricky Stugart and gratitude to his caregivers, Angela Hargrave, Denesha Moore, and grandson, Joshua Hill.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, November 11, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Todd Fulton officiating and Bishop Donald A. Hill eulogist. officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.  The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Saturday at the Chapel.