Ernest Hugh Shumake

Ernest Hugh Shumake was born on November 22, 1935 to Asie Ernest “Hoss” Shumake and Lila Mae Payne Shumake in Roopville, Georgia, the sixth of eight children. He passed from this life on January 3, 2026.

After graduating high school Ernest enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country in Korea and learning telegraph skills. Upon leaving the Air Force, Ernest became employed with Western Union. While working with Western Union he moved his family multiple times until moving to Jonesboro and staying here the rest of his life.

Growing up in a large family with a moderate income, Ernest learned to work hard, to take care of what you had and make it last and to not be wasteful. These were qualities which would stay with him the rest of his life. Ernest was an honest man who wanted no “handouts” and was willing to work for the things he wanted in life. He was a man of integrity who if he gave you his word would stick with it.

Ernest enjoyed gardening and was good at it. He would always grow more than he needed expecting that others would benefit from the overflow. He loved eating from the garden and enjoyed when others would enjoy it with him at his table. Ernest also enjoyed Blue Grass music. He learned to play the mandolin as a boy, and though he didn’t read sheet music, he had a keen ear for the notes and would practice until he had it down pat. Ernest enjoyed going to Blue Grass Festivals until his health failed him, but he truly cherished having others in his home for jam sessions.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Jesse Shumake, Ethel Noles, I.V. Duke, Jean Garnett, Bobby Shumake and Wayne Shumake, and one great grandaughter, Hadley Claire Campbell.

Ernest is survived by his loving and faithful wife Gloria, two daughters, Denise (Randy) Simpkins, Debra (Terry) Smith, four grandchildren, Shalyn Simpkins, Tara (Cameron) Campbell, Kala (Trey) Swann, Dustin (Hannah) Simpkins, 8 great grandchildren, Sutton, Emma Kate and Eliza Campbell, Kennedy Beth and Tripp Simpkins and Evelyn, Eila and Eleanor Swann, one brother, Jack (Dixie) Shumake, three sister in laws, Nelda Shumake, Georgia Richardson, Charlotte Martin and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 7, with a funeral service to follow at 10:30, with Spencer Furby officiating. Pallbearers are Dustin Simpkins, Cameron Campbell, Sutton Campbell, Trey Swann, Rodney Shumake and Evan Edgar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Nettleton Church of Christ or Valley View Church of Christ.