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Marvin Shoob Obituary
Shoob retired in February 2016 as a senior U.S. District Court judge after 36 years on the bench.
His daughter, former Fulton County Superior Court Judge Wendy Shoob, said her father passed away surrounded by family members. His health had been failing in recent months, she said.
"He was the greatest dad, among all his other accomplishments," Wendy Shoob said.
A memorial service is to be held Friday at 2 p.m. at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309.
Shoob was appointed to the federal bench by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.
Among his most noteworthy decisions, Shoob ruled licensed firearms owners could not carry guns into parts of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport; Fulton County had to improve conditions at his overcrowded, dangerous jail; Cobb County had to remove its Ten Commandments display at its courthouse; and Georgia had to place residents with development disabilities into community settings, not making them institutionalized - a ruling upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1999.
"He was a great trial judge and had a very strong sense of what was right and wrong," said Senior U.S. District Court Judge Willis Hunt, who practiced law with Shoob for six years in the 1960s and was later his colleague on the federal bench.
Shoob, Hunt noted, was an exceptional trial lawyer before he became a judge.
"He gave extremely valuable advice to corporate clients and tried cases before juries on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants," Hunt said. "That made him all the better as a judge."
Shoob saw things "in the light of what good could be done for people who needed help," Hunt added. "He was an amazing individual and one of the most gracious people I've ever met."
-Bill Rankin, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo by Rich Addicks/AJC
Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Shoob
36 Entries
David Liss (Robert Liss)
September 30, 2021
My father, was a long-time friend and always thought very highly of Judge Shoob and Jim McLain. Sincere sympathy
Fulton County
July 15, 2017
Sincere Condolences to Judge Wendy Shoob and family. My prayers are with you all.Fulton County Employee
Cory Begner
June 26, 2017
Just returned to Atlanta to learn of Judge Shoob's death. Alan & I send our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband & dad and a lawyer & jurist whom we so greatly admired. He truly had the courage of his convictions -a brilliant, kind and amazing person.
TT
June 23, 2017
I am sorry for your loss my prayers are with you both now,and forever.
June 20, 2017
Marvin Shoob was my attorney when I started out in my very small business. He represented me as a competent attorney and gentleman whenever I got in trouble. Never forget the respect I have always had for him.
Bob Davis
June 16, 2017
Marvin Shoob was always a gentleman. I remember him in his late teens, as handsome, kind and smart. He is part of Savannah's history. RIP
Rick Burkholder
June 15, 2017
He was and is a great man !I waited on him and his family for years at Paul's. I've missed see him and Denise after we closed !!Rest in peace !
Sidney Barrett
June 15, 2017
My only experiences with Judge Shoob were in the courtroom, but from that I saw that he was unfailingly kind, courteous, and utterly fearless. The man would do what was right, even if it meant the heavens would fall. Our country is a better place for him.
Mesh & Barbara Domir
June 15, 2017
The world is a little less bright now. Marvin was such a wonderful person, and always the embodiment of integrity. We were honored and privileged to have known him. Much love to Janice, Wendy, Walter and the whole family.
June 14, 2017
My condolences to his loving family. May our heavenly father bring comfort and peace. Mathew 5:4
Judy Mozen and Randy Urquhart
June 14, 2017
Judge Shoob was not only an outstanding judge but most importantly an outstanding human being. He worked tirelessly to improve our lives and the lives of our children. He strived to protect our rights and was careful to ensure that those less fortunate and less powerful were represented. He will be deeply missed.
Dwight L Thomas, PC
June 14, 2017
Sincere condolences to the Shoob family on their loss. Our heartfelt prayers are with you during this time of bereavement.
Constance Tumlin, USPO, Retired
June 14, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to his family and to all that knew him. Judge Shoob practiced justice tempered with kindness and fairness, never forgetting those that appeared before him. One may not have agreed with the outcome but could always see the legality behind his decisions. It was my honor and privilege to work with him in ND GA, appear before him, and to chat with him in chambers. Rest easy, sir.
Gail Driebe
June 14, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family of Judge Shoob and to our community which is diminished by his passing. He was a kind, generous man with the courage of his convictions.
C. Milton Strange
June 13, 2017
An outstanding jurist and a great human being. He always applied the law correctly and appropriately through knowledge and thoughtfulness, but with compassion when called for. I always enjoyed appearing before Judge Shoob. He made me proud to be part of the NDGA court family.
Margery Diamond
June 13, 2017
My deepest sympathy to you Wendy and the entire family. Sending hugs.
Carrie Baker
June 13, 2017
I clerked for Judge Shoob from 1994 to 1996. I learned so much from him, not only about the law, but about how to be a good person. Thank you Judge Shoob. You will always be in my heart.
Marilyn Harris
June 13, 2017
Judge Shoob was a hero to me when i called his office about unlawful inschool religious pracyices at my school.
Julie Liberman
June 13, 2017
Sincerest condolences to the family of this wonderful judge who inspired so many.
Stan Birch
June 13, 2017
The Judge was the incarnation of the Southern Gentleman and an inspiration to all of us who wore judicial robes. A proud member of the Greatest Generation having served as an infantryman in WWII and a constant defender of the Constitution, he treated everyone with dignity, respect and kindness (except for an occasional unprepared lawyer). As we walked down Forsyth Street after lunch one day and I turned to enter the Court of Appeals building, he bid farewell by saying: "Enjoy the afternoon in your Ivory Tower", as he went on to judge who should be the valedictorian of a High School graduating class ! At his retirement party he sagely observed: "Our friends are the gifts we give to ourselves". My life was truly blessed by his friendship --- as were so many others.
June 13, 2017
He was always prepared and always fair. He listened to both sides of an argument without interruption or passing judgment until the appropriate time. It was a pleasure to be in his Court.
My condolences to his family. His memory will live on.
Joyce Klemmer, Atlanta, GA
Benjamin Fink
June 13, 2017
Judge Shoob was truly an inspiration. His convictions were evident in his rulings. My sincerest condolences to Judge Wendy Shoob and the rest of the family.
June 13, 2017
His leaving the bench was a significant loss, his leaving the planet is a disturbance in the force. This was a truly great man of great courage, intellect and personal warmth. He loved people and the law. I loved this man, as many did. Much sympathy goes out to the Shoob family, mixed with much praise for a life well lived. Nick Lotito
Timothy Santelli
June 13, 2017
A truly great man. You will be missed.
Condolences to the family.
M. Ayres Gardner
June 13, 2017
My condolences to Wendy and all of the family. Judge Shoob was a light in the darkness for those who desperately sought justice. He treated everyone who came before him with gracious respect.
Gary E Jackson
June 13, 2017
Judge Marvin Shoob was a model of fairness, decorum, and dignity.
His loss is a void that cannot be filled. His contributions to the justice are only outweighed by his dedication and love of his family and community.
He will be missed.
Gary E. Jackson
Judge, Atlanta Municipal Court
President, Council of Municipal Court
Judges
Vionnette Johnson
June 13, 2017
No matter how unpopular the cause, Judge Shoob always followed the law and imposed just and fair sentences. It was truly an honor to appear in front of Judge Shoob. A man of integrity and compassion. He will be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
June 13, 2017
May the God of comfort continue to be with the family during this difficult time and bring you peace. Hosea 13:14
Janis Gordon
June 13, 2017
Wendy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Judge Shoob was a mentor to me and is one of the main reasons that I am on the State Court Bench. He was a true man of justice and will be greatly missed. I wish you strength during this period of mourning. -Janis C. Gordon
Chandler Bridges
June 13, 2017
I feel the Lord will say "Well done, good and faithful servant."
My brother clerked for the Judge and had high regard for him, so I feel like I know him personally.
My deepest sympathy for family and friends who are grieving the absence of this wonderful man and Judge.
Sam Shepherd
June 13, 2017
So sorry to hear of Judge Shoob's passing. He was a great judge. I was fortunate to meet him and get to know such a splendid person.
Tom & Vicki West
June 13, 2017
Judge Shoob fought the good fight against the abuse of power his entire life.
Virginia Busch
June 13, 2017
My prayers and thoughts are with all of Judge Shoob's family at this very difficult time. Godspeed, Judge Shoob!
Jimmy Hardy
June 13, 2017
As an Attorney that had the honor of practicing before Judge Shoob, I will forever remember him as a good man.
Sam Han
June 13, 2017
My best and warmest thoughts to Judge Shoob's family. The world is poorer for the loss of such a gentleman and statesman.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
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Memorial service
2:00 p.m.
the Temple
1589 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA
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