Mitchell Curtis Shores

Mitchell Curtis Shores was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior and reunited with the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Shores, on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Born on January 17, 1937, he was the son of the late Kellam Tank Shores and Lula Taylor Shores.
A lifelong resident of Tangier Island, VA, the only time Mitch ever left his cherished home was to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Tangier to continue his calling as a Chesapeake Bay waterman, a trade he faithfully worked from the time he was old enough to run a boat until well into his 80s. Tough, resilient, and deeply devoted to his craft, Mitch's life was inseparable from the water. Yet, it was the people of Tangier who truly held his heart, and he loved his community deeply. Known for his easy charm and playful grin, Mitch had a special place in his heart for the ladies – and truth be told, they all loved him right back.
Mitchell's spirit remained as lively as ever till the end. At 88, he still sported a full head of jet-black hair and a matching mustache, both perfectly in step with his grizzly, deep-bellied chuckle that could be heard from the mainland. Most afternoons, you could find Mitchell sitting at the town dock, swapping stories and laughter with his lifelong buddies as boats came and went. Those moments – simple, salty, and full of friendship – captured the essence of the man Tangier loved so dearly.
Mitchell's life was one of hard work, good humor, and steadfast love for his home and his people. His memory will live on in the tides he once worked, the friends he cherished, and the laughter he left echoing throughout the island.
He is survived by his children, Harry Crockett and his wife, Jackie, of Chincoteague Island, VA, Carla Ford and her husband, Jimmy, of Belleville, IL, and Curtis Shores and his wife, Heather, of Montgomery, AL; grandchildren, Jamie (Amanda), Beth, Wesley (Pamela), Lily, Marley, Kaitlin (Henry), and Emily (Tim); great-grandchildren, Landon, Austin, and Maverick; and several nieces and nephews, to include special niece, Nancy Crockett, whose love and constant care allowed Mitch to remain in his home on the island. In addition to his wife and parents, Mitchell was predeceased by his sisters, Isabelle Parks and her husband, Norman and Emma Sue Conner and her husband, Johnny, and brother, Robert Lee Shores and his wife, Joyce.
A memorial service will be held at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.There will be a time of sharing a half hour prior to the service and all are invited to join the family for a meal immediately following the service.
Contributions in Mitchell's memory may be made to Tangier Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 239, Tangier, VA 23440.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by the Williams Funeral Home, Onancock and Parksley, VA.
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