The entire Ocean Isle Beach community is saddened by the loss one of our own with the sudden passing of John C. “Johnny” Sheffield on Christmas morning.
Johnny was well known to almost all who lived in or visited Ocean Isle Beach. He was a friend to all who visited Sheffield’s Seafood & Grocery on the island.
A small, intimate service was held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at two o’clock in the afternoon at Ocean Isle Beach Chapel with Reverend Tim Carter officiating.
Friends, family and acquaintances spoke warmly of his friendship over the many years. All spoke of how he knew just about everyone who frequented the store, their names and all about them.
Johnny was born November 16, 1947 in Pinehurst, son of the late James Wesley Sheffield Sr. and Louise Primm Sheffield. He attended Appalachian State University before becoming a truck driver with LG DeWitt for years.
John moved back home to help run the family business in 1981.
John and Wendy were married in 1983 and would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this coming January 17th. Him, his wife and children continue to run Sheffield’s Seafood & Grocery on Ocean Isle Beach which has been family owned for 55 years and counting.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Wendy Carter Sheffield of Ocean Isle Beach; children Louise Sheffield-Baccarny and husband Kyle of Ocean Isle Beach and Johnathan Sheffield of Ocean Isle Beach; sisters, Anne Albanese and husband Bob of Greensboro, Patricia Kyles and Bruce of Asheboro, Lorena Aldridge and David of Newland, Jo Underwood of Carthage; and granddaughter, Eva Baccarny. He is preceded in death by his brother James Wesley Sheffield Jr.
Sheffield’s Seafood & Grocery on Ocean Isle Beach (circa 1967)
In 1967, Sheffield’s the island’s first grocery store opened. Sheffield’s was so much more than a grocery store. It was, and still is, a candy store, a toy and souvenir shop. A convenience store with everything from bait to fresh-caught local seafood, and a grocery and general store. It has everything you need for a day at the beach, a day at the pier, or a day on a boat-including marine supplies, local tide and depth charts, and tackle. You can even gas up your car or boat.
