Robert Edward Shoemake

Robert Edward Shoemake passed away on December 25, 2025 after a short illness. He was at home surrounded by his family. Born in Commerce, Texas on February 28, 1944 to Billy Thomas Shoemake and Velma Golden Shoemake, he was raised in Winters, Texas, where his father was pastor of First Baptist Church. His mother was a painter who taught English and art at the high school. Bob was salutatorian and played in the Winters Blizzards marching band. After graduating, he made his first big journey, two hundred miles east to Baylor University, where he majored in mathematics, graduating in 1966. Later he would obtain a Masters at Florida State University and briefly teach high school math.

In 1967, Bob signed up to be a “Journeyman”, the Southern Baptist equivalent of the Peace Corps. He spent two years teaching and supervising a high school dormitory in Tokyo. It was during Journeyman orientation that he met Diane Hickman, a vivacious city girl from Dallas. Later he would describe seeing her across the room: “She was just right.” Diane was posted to Kyoto, and the two were married upon their return to the States in 1969. She would remain his greatest joy through 56 years of marriage.

In 1973, they moved to Richmond, Virginia, where Bob began his career at the International Mission Board. He helped send Southern Baptist missionaries across the world, travelling extensively himself. Some of his favorite adventures were to Yemen, China, Lebanon, and Tajikistan. His faith also led him to become a remarkably engaged member of River Road Church, Baptist, where he served as deacon, taught Sunday School, and headed multiple boards and committees.

A dedicated runner, he finished three Richmond marathons. He also loved sailing and for several years kept a boat on the Chesapeake Bay. In later life, inspired by his mother, watercolors became a favorite activity. Principally, however, he is remembered as a man of extraordinary kindness and patience, one who dedicated himself to helping others, friends and strangers alike. He supported refugees, built homes for those without, and fostered several children. All of this he did simply and naturally, with a warm and open curiosity. His life was one extended act of service, led with an uncommon decency immediately evident to anyone he ever met.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bill, Betty, and Ben, and survived by his wife, Diane, and their children, Josh and Padgett. A memorial service will be held January 3, 2026 at 2 p.m. at River Road Church, Baptist (8000 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229). A reception will follow.