Bobby Ray Shoemaker

Bobby Ray Shoemaker, age 90, of Statesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, in the care of Gordon Hospice. He was born on October 21, 1934 to the late Connie Belle Barker. His father was the late William Boyd Shoemaker (Gladys).

He married the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Massey Shoemaker, on December 29, 1956. Together, they shared 68 years of marriage built on deep love, faith, and family.

Bobby worked for many years as a maintenance supervisor at Kewaunee Scientific Corporation, Pennsylvania House, and Blanton Moore. He also did consulting work before retirement. A devoted member of New Sterling ARP Church, he served faithfully as a deacon for many years.

Bobby was known for his wisdom, strong work ethic, and ability to solve problems. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether the task was electrical or mechanical, he enjoyed working in his shop. He found joy in being outdoors–riding his tractor, tending his garden, and sharing his vegetables with those involved in the ministries at Fifth Street.

He is survived by the love of his life, Phyllis Shoemaker; his children, Johnny Shoemaker, and Sandra Shoemaker Wilson (Keith).

He was a proud grandfather to Matthew Shoemaker, Marcus Shoemaker, Brandi Wilson, Brittany Kunkle (Brandon), and Chase Wilson. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Dominick Shoemaker, Zaria Shoemaker, Emily Kunkle, and Owen Kunkle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Doris Shoemaker Pope.

Bobby’s life was a shining example of service, humility, and enduring love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and lovingly remembered by generations of family and friends.

Mr. Bobby Shoemaker will lie-in-state from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Nicholson Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025 at New Sterling ARP Church Cemetery in Stony Point, NC with Rev. Dr. Earl Linderman officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall after the service.

Pallbearers will be Darrell Elliott, Randy Moose, Brandon Kunkle, Wayne Church, Steve Stewart and Billy Massey. Honorary Pallbearer will be Chase Wilson. 

The family would like to thank the nurses at Iredell Memorial Hospital and Gordon Hospice House for the compassionate care they provided. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House of Iredell County, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to New Sterling ARP Church, 580 New Sterling Road, Stony Point, NC 28678. 

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bobby Shoemaker.