William R. "Billy" SHOEMAKER

To the family of Billy Shoemaker: My deepest condolences on Billy's passing. I met Billy back in March of 2016 when my son, Chris, and I traveled to his shop to inspect the 1973 "Yellow Bird" American LaFrance shown above. He was so enthusiastic about the truck and did not really want to sell it. My son and I assured him that when we bought it, it was going to a very good home, and would be used as a caisson to carry mainly past Firefighters. I still own the truck, and still keep it...

Billy was a true friend to the very end. A guy with a permanently sunny outlook who would do anything for you. When I really needed him, he was there for me. He will live on forever in my heart. Rest in peace, my Brother. Heartfelt condolences to Sue, Vera, Elizabeth and family. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Bill spoke at the first HITV Reunion in 2007, on how in the principle of keeping accurate time for The Morning Show, was beneficial in life, in the discipline of ones' work ethic. To his family, I ffer my deepest sympathies, and thank you Billy for the laughter.

To the Shoemaker Family and Friends! Billy the Shoe was a great friend! I learned a lot about fire trucks from Billy while we were building a Saulsbury Rescue truck for our Department, Main-Transit FD! We hand some great trips to Preble and all the other conferences we went to! We all will miss him....

To Vera, Suzanne and Elizabeth - A big man in all ways means a big loss for you. Incredible adventures and stories abound - no one who met him would not remember him! The picture above is exactly how I will remember him - the smile. The Sigma Delta Fraternity will miss him.

I´m so sorry to hear of Billy´s passing. I talk about him often as we went to high school together. Visited him the last time I was in Hamburg. The world will miss his sunny smile. Condolences to his family.

I am So very very sorry to hear of Bill´s passing! Sending many prayers, thoughts & hugs for the entire Shoemaker family! I know he will be missed very much! Chris & Tom O´Connor

To Mrs Shoemaker and family: I am a fraternity brother of Bill, from his Clarkson days. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Shoe and I had a few adventures and many laughs together; I can still hear his! He was always cheerful -even when he didn´t need to be, fair and kind, and always seemed to be the first to volunteer for house projects. Will always remember him driving the 442 with a big smile!