Hugh Reynolds Shoemaker, Ii

Hugh Reynolds Shoemaker II.  Born February 28, 1954 to Franklin Reynolds Shoemaker and Hilda Franklin Shoemaker.  Hugh died June 17, 2019 at the age of 65 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his sisters Janet Shoemaker Sims of Shelby, NC and Cherry Patricia Shoemaker of West Columbia, SC.

Hugh was an extremely private person who had long and strong friendships with people of all walks of life.  He took a while to get to know, but when he accepted your friendship, you had a friend for life--he would give you his last penny if you needed it.  He had a tremendous love for all animals, especially his longtime canine companion Shirley, "the best dog that ever lived".

Over the course of  his life, he lived in seven different states.  In his last residence he found his real home on the river in McVille, Kentucky - down the road from Rabbit Hash - a town that has a dog as mayor.  Living on the Ohio River, he discovered a love of photography and spent many happy hours taking pictures of spectacular sunrises.  During his time in McVille, he proudly worked at UPS as a Forklift Operator until his cancer diagnosis forced his retirement.

Hugh had a creative streak which manifested itself in construction.  He designed and built one-of-a-kind decks, privacy fences, steps, hand rails, dog houses, benches, fireplace surrounds.  His compulsion for perfection both endeared him to his clients and, at the same time, could frustrate them beyond measure.

In addition to his construction skills, Hugh had a beautiful, direct writing style which was elegant in its simplicity.  Friends often asked him to write letters of reference or testimony.  He had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He was a voracious reader of all types of fiction and a student of history and the detailed trivia that accompanied it. He was a passionate MeTV watcher (he memorized the schedule!) and had an outspoken disdain for reality TV or the ubiquitous news channels.

A Celebration of Life for Hugh will be held at the River Center, in the UPS room, at the Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia SC on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 11:00am .

Memorials may be made to your local animal rescue organization.