Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Donald Shoemaker Obituary
November 25, 1958 - July 4, 2024
Raleigh, North Carolina - Donald Wayne Shoemaker, age 65, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on the morning of July 4, 2024 after a brief battle with illness at Rex Hospital. Born to the late Frank Richard and Eva Jo Shoemaker in Atlanta, Georgia on November 25, 1958; Don is survived by his 3 children: Ashley (Marianito), Abie, and Andrew; 2 grandchildren, Cole and Parker; brother, Frank; ex-wife, Debra; and soulmate, Leslie Jones-Bennett.
After graduating from Sequoyah High in Doraville, Georgia, Don attended the Georgia Institute of Technology's College of Engineering specializing in Electrical Engineering. Don used this background to build a distinguished career with time spent turning colleagues to friends at Nortel, Gartner, Delta Products, the State of North Carolina, and Elster/Honeywell prior to retirement.
Outside of work, Don lived a full life. All throughout, he enjoyed spending time outside in many forms, a gift that he always shared with those around him. In his early years, Don was an avid baseball fan/player, loved to go on hikes in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains and spend time with loved ones at the beach. Alongside this, Don was passionate about gardening, grilling, and building; you could always find him either out in his yard hard at work, smoking something on the grill, or tinkering away in his garage on a home project such as one of his many pinball machines.
In retirement, Don was able to enjoy numerous wonderful years with his love, Leslie – traveling the world, attending concert after concert, expanding their culinary adventures, and above all, watching their hummingbirds. He was also able to share his time with a lifelong group of friends whom he cherished, as they continued to get together for their weekly poker games.
A Celebration of Don's life will be held at Bond Brothers Brewing Co. (202 E Cedar St., Cary, NC 27511) from 12-3pm on Friday, July 12, 2024. All friends and family are welcome.
Perhaps one of Don's greatest passions was his love of dogs, beginning with his first dog, Tyler. With that in mind, he has requested that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the SPCA of Wake County – a wonderful organization where Don volunteered much of his time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Shoemaker
Sponsored by Renaissance Funeral Home.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Donald Shoemaker's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Shoemaker
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Shoemaker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
