Walter Alexander "Zander" Sheffield , departed this life on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was 48 years old. Raised in Fredericksburg, he graduated from James Monroe High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radford University and taught history in the City of Roanoke. He made history come alive for his students. In 2009, Zander was recognized as the Outstanding Public School Teacher in Virginia by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Virginia General Assembly. He also coached baseball, wrestling, and soccer. He just completed his course work for his Masters of Education at The University of Virginia when he suffered a stroke and was compelled to retire.

Returning to Fredericksburg, he hunted, and fished while following his passion for music. Always amiable and well met, he had a deep appreciation for his family, and friends. Zander was known for his sense of humor and could make anyone smile. He suffered a heart attack in the summer of 2019, and had been on UVA's heart transplant list.

Zander was proud of his heritage and Virginia ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. He was a member of the Society of Colonial Wars, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sons of the Revolution.

His mother, Susan "Rett" Moore Sheffield, predeceased him. He is survived by his father, Walter Jervis Sheffield; his paternal grandmother, Betty Lou Bailey; his brother, John Courtney Sheffield II [Ft. Collins]; his sister, Margaret Sheffield Ford (Ben) [Richmond]; and a step-sister, Colleen Boxwell. Zander loved being an uncle to John Courtney "Trey" Sheffield III, and niece, Georgia Moore Sheffield.

A celebration of his life will be held at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church on Monday, January 30, 2023, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow in Kobler Hall. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to The University of Virginia, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, Iowa 50037.  Please designate "Heart /Lung Transplant Fund."