Richard Neal Shoemaker

Richard Neal Shoemaker passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at UMMC in Jackson, MS. He was born to Vester and Sarah Fay Shows Shoemaker in Mendenhall, MS.

Richard retired from a career in forestry. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, or playing sports. He attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and Livingston State University on basketball scholarships. He was inducted into the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He has always been an active member of his community. He coached high school basketball and community softball, and served as a local Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

Richard was an active member of Athens Baptist Church, where he served the congregation as a Deacon and taught the Adult Sunday School Class for years. He was an asset to his church and a friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Annette B. Shoemaker; his parents; brothers, Jerry Shoemaker and Henry Shoemaker; and sisters, Patsy Traylor and Peggy Van Shoemaker.

He is survived by his children, John Shoemaker, Wesley Shoemaker (Joshua) and Tommy Bristow; grandchildren, Traci Nelson (Chris), Carla Bristow (Matt), Stein Bristow, Bailey Graves (Austin); great-grandchildren, Charlotte Nelson, Copeland Nelson, Keegan Walker, Daily Bristow, Georgia Bristow, Stein Norman Bristow, Weston Bristow, Braxton Bristow, Houston Graves and Carolina Graves.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, MS, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Athens Baptist Church, with an hour of visitation preceding the service. Bro. Josh Hollingsworth will officiate the service with interment to follow in Athens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Athens Baptist Church.