We give praise and thanks to God as we celebrate the life of Richard L. Shoemaker. Richard was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and close friend to many.
He was born on September 28, 1931, to Edgar and Hester (Wisener) Shoemaker, of Holly Pond, Alabama. He spent his first 18 years in Holly Pond and graduated from Holly Pond High School in 1950. Following his graduation from high school, he attended Auburn University where he earned Bachelor of Science and Master degrees.
Following his graduation from Auburn, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Meteorology from Oklahoma State and later a PH degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After his discharge from the Air Force, he worked as a meteorologist with Eastern Air Lines, then joined the staff at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. During his tenure at UAB, he authored and co-authored several scientific journals and books and participated in medical seminars and meetings worldwide. He served as professor and chairman of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics while at UAB where he retired after enjoying a successful career of 42 years. Richard also served as the President of the Alabama Academy of Science.
Richard was a dedicated and active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Warrior where he generously gave of himself in support of missions and other activities.
In his younger years, he was a workaholic and was happiest when helping a neighbor, friend or family member accomplish a goal.
Richard is survived by his wife, Gladys; four sons, Steven (Darla), Ben (Katrina), Bill (Daricer), Robert (Julie); three stepsons, Bill Wilson (Alisa), David Wilson (Jan), Mark Wilson (Sharon); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all who affectionately called him “D-Daddy.”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Hester (Wisener) Shoemaker, his sister, Vileta Foust, and his brother-in-law Roscoe Foust.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to those of you joining in remembering and celebrating the life of Mr. Shoemaker. Your prayers and encouragement have been a blessing to them, and they thank God that their paths have crossed with yours.
The family would also like to express special thanks to ENHABIT Home Health and to ACG Hospice for the excellent care during this difficult time and to their special sitter, Denisa Vinyard.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Building Fund (2427 Corner Road, Warrior, Alabama, 35180) or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services for Mr. Shoemaker are 11 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Warrior, Alabama, with Dr. Sammie Reid, Rev. Jacob Elliott, and Landon Wilson officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family prior to services, from 10:30 a.m. until services begin. Burial will follow services in Holly Pond Cemetery, Holly Pond, Alabama, with Johnny Phillips, Donald Phillips, Jeff Foust, Neil Foust, Carlos Sloan, and Chris Sloan serving as pallbearers.
