RAYMOND C. SHOEMAKER JR.
DALZELL - Retired Master Sgt. Raymond "Ray" Christley Shoemaker Jr., 80, husband of Annie Lee "Ann" Benenhaley Shoemaker, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 13, 1938, in Singers Glen, Virginia, Ray was a son of the late Raymond C. Shoemaker Sr. and Sheldon Louis Hoover Shoemaker-Falls and stepson of the late Everett Falls. Ray attended Broadway High School in Broadway, Virginia. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal and several other awards. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served two tours. During his time in the service, Ray attended the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Southern California. Ray also retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 26 years of service as a postal clerk at the Camden Post Office. He was a member of Alice Drive Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Annie Lee "Ann" Benenhaley Shoemaker, of 57 years; three daughters, Sheri Sandoval (Carlos) of Chapin, Karen Hudson (Martin) of Dalzell and Kim Younghans (Greg) of Camden; nine grandchildren, Carlos "Trey" Sandoval III, Cristian Sandoval, Tyler Locklear, Kyndall Locklear, Karli Hudson, Evan Younghans, Greer Younghans, Avery Younghans and Harris Younghans; one great-grandchild, Brayden Richard-Ray Locklear; one brother, Curtis Shoemaker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was predeceased by his brothers, Bob Shoemaker, Bill Shoemaker and Myron Shoemaker; and his sister, Charlotte Riddleburger.
Ray was a beloved husband, father and grandfather "Papa" and will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, soft-spoken man who always surprised you with his witty remarks. Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was proud to serve in the U.S. Air Force. An avid Clemson fan, you would find him on Saturdays in the fall relaxing in his recliner cheering for the Tigers.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at Alice Drive Baptist Church with Dr. Clay Smith, the Rev. Jock Hendricks and the Rev. Steve Miller officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Pat Buckner, Robbie Hood, Evan Younghans, Cristian Sandoval, Tony Carpenter and Tyler Locklear.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Nemec, Frank Volonis, John Weathers, Jim Phillips, John Buck, Ron Wyand and Bob Ross.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association in South Carolina, 44-A Markfield Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 or South Carolina Oncology Associates, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.