Richard "Dick" Avery Shoemaker

Richard Avery Shoemaker, age 84 of Rocky Mount, went to Heaven on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was a son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather to a family that loved and cherished him. He was a dedicated servant of his community in so many ways, including serving as President of First Virginia Bank Franklin County and host of Cable 12’s Rise and Shine morning show. He loved giving back to the community that he loved so much. While living in Franklin County, he served on the board of the Free Clinic of Franklin County, as the chairman of the Franklin County Chapter of the Red Cross, chairman of the Rocky Mount Community Partnership for Revitalization (CPR), was director and chairman of the Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, served as the finance module advisor for the Gereau Center. He served at STEP Inc. as the director and on the finance committee. In 2000 he was honored with the Marshall Flora Sr. award, commending him for his volunteer service. If there was a good cause to promote, he made sure that he was a part of it. Shoemaker was a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. Even though he was only a resident of the Franklin County community for his last 25 years, he thought of it as his home. He was preceded in death by his first wife Carol Noon Shoemaker, son, David Shoemaker, mother, Barbara Shoemaker Crosby and sister, Linda Shoemaker. He is survived by his wife Deanna Shoemaker, children Richard Shoemaker II, Jennifer Shoemaker Ardis and husband Jonathan, Stephanie Shoemaker Smith and husband Michael and sister Carol McGinnis and her husband Jim. Mr. Shoemaker was a grandfather to Dickie, Matt, Abbie, Avery, Haley, Will, Lauren, Lili, Libby, and Wyatt. His much-loved great-grandchildren are Taylor, Addy, Liam, Nolan, Jett, Molly, Abe, and Solomon. As well as so many others, who whether blood or not, were still welcomed into the family by “Papa Shoe”. Dick was many things to the many people who knew him throughout his life, but the one thing he was to everyone was loved. Dick served his country proudly in the United States Navy and the family would like to thank the Virginia Veterans Care Center for taking such great care of him over the last few years. Funeral services will be held at Flora Funeral Chapel, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023 with Rev. Will Waller officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends starting at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we know these organizations, and many others, were important to Dick/Dad/Grandpa and we know he would appreciate you supporting The Franklin County Historical Society and The Henry Fork Service Center, both in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.