Dennis Leon Shoemaker

 

   Dennis Leon Shoemaker, 76, passed away on June 17, 2023, at his home with his life long sweetheart standing by his side. He was born in Lynwood, Los Angeles County, CA on September 3, 1946 to Lester Leon Shoemaker and Lettie Viola Parker. Dennis was a hard worker, spending many long hours at various companies throughout his varied careers.  He learned or was self-taught many trades: machinist, general contractor, water bed manufacturer, office furniture manufacturer, and retired in 2008 as Director of Operations for Ashworth, Inc., a golf apparel company, in Carlsbad, CA. Dennis and his wife, Pam, moved to Kernersville, North Carolina, in 2021 to be closer to family in Greensboro.

   Dennis was a decorated Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War during 1968-1969 in the 9th Infantry Division, Mobile Riverine Force, 2nd Brigade, 3/60th Battalion. He served in the Mekong Delta region as “boots on the ground” and in numerous “Huey” helicopter aerial assault and rescue missions. 

   He truly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His commitment to his family and friends will always be treasured. He enjoyed being outdoors and most often could be found on a golf course. Dennis was witty and had a great sense of humor. If you met him, you knew him, you remembered him. His smile, his laugh, the encouragement he offered with words or even without touched so many.

   In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother in-laws;  Donald Williams, and Allan Lingwall; his sister-in-law, Laraine Ricci (Lingwall); and parents-in-law, Ed and Joan Lingwall.  Dennis is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Pam Shoemaker (Lingwall), sister, Sharon Williams;  and many extended family members and friends.

  A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to Alzheimer’s Association.