Paul Ely Shoemaker

Paul Ely Shoemaker

February 15, 1940 - July 01, 2026

Paul Ely Shoemaker, of Floyd, VA passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Born on February 15, 1940, Paul was the only child of the late Robert and Jessie Shoemaker. He spent his childhood in Short Hills, New Jersey.

Paul shared 64 years of marriage with his wife, Roberta. After raising their children, Susan and Paul Jr. in West Milford, NJ, the couple retired to Floyd, Virginia. There they made their home and enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the beauty and peacefulness of the mountains.

Retirement suited Paul well. He visited his grandchildren in Texas, attended his grandchildren's sporting events, and played golf. He also found great joy in tinkering with his beloved model trains, always finding another project to improve or perfect. Paul was a man of few words but many projects. He was happiest with his hands busy and his mind at work. His tractor was his place of solace, where he spent countless hours maintaining the property, fixing whatever needed attention, or simply riding through the fields and taking in the scenery.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Roberta Shoemaker; his daughter, Susan (Barry) Hollandsworth; his son, Paul (Amanda) Shoemaker; his grandchildren, Jessica (William), Lauren (Jonathan), Amanda (Jordan), Bobby, and Gracie; his great-grandchildren Saige Conner, Ivory Conner, Emberlyn Conner, Joe Zimmerman, Jay Zimmerman, Lydia Zimmerman, and Annabella Johnson, along with many extended family members and friends.

Paul's memory lives on through his family in simple joys that brought him lasting happiness—the quiet moments spent on a tractor, a golf course, or listening to a train whistle. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.