Ralph Milton Shoemaker, Jr.

Mr. Ralph M. Shoemaker Jr., age 79, passed away at Forsyth Medical Center on Monday, January 18, 2016 after a brief illness.  Ralph loved life and enjoyed the company of others and good dogs. Known for his sense of humor and quick wit, he was constantly joking and enjoyed laughing.

Ralph was born on May 29th, 1936 and was raised in Cheverly, MD. He was a life-long Washington Redskins fan.  He graduated from Bladensburg High School and joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduation.  He retired from the U.S. Army after 21 years of service and then worked for the U.S. Post Office until retirement.  While in the Army, he served two combat tours in Vietnam and was awarded various citations and awards including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.  He also served as an instructor at the United States Army Infantry School.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Bass Shoemaker and his father Ralph M. Shoemaker Sr. He is survived by his wife, Jane Shoemaker, two sisters, Lois Cuppett of Leesburg, FL and Edna “Gussie” Farnell of St. Petersburg Florida,  two sons, Dan Shoemaker and wife Jesse of Wartburg, Tennessee and Phillip Shoemaker of Lawrenceburg, Indiana,  two step sons, Derrill Rice and wife Lori of Elkin North Carolina and Alan Rice and wife Wendy of Statesboro Georgia and step daughter Katie Morris Pate and husband Dustin of Atlanta, Georgia.  Ralph had eight grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mr. Shoemaker will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Elkin Presbyterian Church.

The family requests memorials be made to Elkin Presbyterian Church, 151 Hillcrest Drive, Elkin, NC 28621.