There aren't many memories of high school that don't include Mr. Shoe, orchestra and band (1982 graduate). It was a central part of my life, and the father-daughter relationship Mr. Shoe and I shared was a special bond. I have lived in Texas for the past 25 years, so I don't often know what's happening back in Virginia, and Lynchburg specifically, but I knew that Kelly had died. I was just thinking of him today and reminiscing about what a valued teacher and mentor he was to so many young minds. I hope he truly knew how much we loved and admired him.

He was my great grandfather,I wish I could have meet him,but now I'm becoming a band student to be just like him!

I so remember the awesome cross country trip to California and back. He and his wife were awesome to sponsor and support this life changing event for us kids. 

MR SHOE...WE ALL LOVED YOU...YOU DEDICATED SO MUCH TIME TO THE BAND AND ARE AN EPOCH ICON IN OUR MEMORIES....THE DISAPPOINT THAT I NEVER LEARNED HOW TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT HAUNTS ME TODAY....I AM GRATEFUL I WAS IN THE FLAG CORP AND HAD THE BROOKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BEES AS A PEACEFUL PART OF MY HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES ...YOU WERE A SOUND LEADER AND MY HEART AND CONDOLENCES IN THIS SAD TIME OF THE LOSS OF SUCH A DEDICATED AND AMAZING PERSON..... I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN WE WERE BEING SILLY AT PRACTICE ONE DAY AND YOU COMMANDED ME AND SHELL TO, "STOP INTERUPTING YOUR PRACTICE!!!!!" WE RESPECTFULLY LAUGHED AND STRAIGHTENED OUR ACT UP... IMMEDIATELY!!!! ALL MY LOVE AND REST IN SWEET PEACE OUR NEWEST ANGEL!!!!!👼

I loved Mr Shoemaker! He was one of my favorite teachers. I spent many hours in his office doing paperwork for him and loved being in Band at Brookville! I have so many wonderful memories of that time. I also remember all those papers showing where we should all be on the field. When I watch marching bands I always think of him and the wonderful memories and friends that I made during my years in band at BHS. Band was such a huge part of my high school experience! Thank you Mr. Shoemaker... you will never be forgotten!

Mr. Shoemaker,

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to express my musical talent. I know  at least 3 of us  Beckners, Albert, Melissa and Elliot had the pleasure of playing in your wonderful band. I believe one of my band mates said it best, you gave us a place where we belonged. Your caring and nurturing personally was genuine, and without a doubt all of your students felt it. Thank you for believing in all of us, and believing in me.

Rest easy Sir,

Allen Beckner
President of Pure Water Technology
Class of 91



I'm surprised that the obituary doesn't mention that Kelly was the BHS choir director for many years.  He touched so many students with his enthusiasm and love of singing.  I was in the choir for three years - it was my favorite class. My love of singing has continued throughout my life. I sang with the Keesler AFB Male Chorus for a year while going through training in the Air Force.  After the Air Force, I moved to Dallas specifically to join the Vocal Majority, now the premier, champion chorus of the Barbershop Harmony Society. I have been singing with them since 1977. My thanks go to Kelly for being one of my musical mentors.  


Mr. Shoemaker was as patient with the parents as with his students.  The parents who attended all the band performances were an additional attention to Mr. Shoemaker.  He made sure that the parents did not get in the way of their child's performances.  He was such a patient person.  He was good to the parents as to the students.  We will miss him and all the band trips - good times an good memories.

So sorry for your loss.  Mr. Shoemaker was one of the nicest men I have ever known.  Some of my fondest memories are of the four years I was in the Flag Corp.  To the Leader of the Band, God speed.  Class of 84'

There was at least one Welfare in the Brookville marching band every year from 1972 until 1984. That's a lot of Welfares, and lot of marching band! Many of my high school memories involve Mr. Shoemaker, who taught us a lot more than music. Among other things, we became great salespeople. We should all have gotten jobs in fundraising! I've thought about band often in recent years as I played with the Stonewall Brigade Band, a community band in Staunton, VA. In fact, we played some of the same songs. The years haven't dimmed the memories but my playing has really deteriorated. I don't think Mr. Shoe would be too impressed.

Mr Shoe... Just know you were so LOVED and held a very special place in the hearts of many! I had the pleasure of being in band from 8th thru 12th grade at BHS(1972-1977) and serving as drum major my senior year under Mr. Shoe... He was a very special man!

Mr. Shoemaker was a wonderful Educator and taught me many wonderful musical talents I had, learning trombone and fluglehorn, marching and the like. Truly a wonderful man he was!

Thank you Mr Shoe, you gave so much of yourself to us.  In those awkward middle/high years you gave us a place where we felt we belonged.  I am grateful for all the concerts, competitions, practices and football games that filled my high school years.  And who could forget that Disney trip.  My daughter is marching now and I've thought about you often.  Rest in Peace.  

Amy Keehner Nelson 88-92
Flute, Rifle Corps, Drum Major

So sorry to lose this dear man. Mr. Shoemaker also spent many years leading our Brookville High School Chorus...bringing us to our best potential for competition and holiday community entertainment, as well as school events at BHS. He was instrumental in instilling us with "a love of music and singing". We loved him. RIP, Friend.  Let us keep a song in our hearts. ❤️
Shirley G. Wright

So much of my musical beginnings started with Mr. Shoe (as we lovingly called him)!!! I have such wonderful memories, having played in his marching and concert bands for five years, and sang and played the piano in the chorus under him my junior year (that’s when I could finally fit both band and chorus in my high school schedule)! Both my brother and sister sang in his chorus while they were in high school! In 1977, he stepped down from directing the chorus after many years, and Bill Spruill (R.I.P.) took over my senior year! I’m actually surprised that Mr. Shoe’s obit didn’t mention directing the chorus as well. R.I.P, Mr. Shoe!!! I’m sure my mom and dad were around to welcome you!!! 

We have such fond memories of Kelley and his devotion to music at Brookville high school.  Jerry so much enjoyed the time spent with him practicing and performing in the Brookville variety show for many years. He was such a kind and giving gentleman. May God grant you the peace that passeth  all understanding. 
With our deepest sympathy,
Doris and Jerry

Thanks for good memories of band trips and caring about the kids in the band, Mr. Shoemaker.

Kelley was the Band Director at Brookville High School when I assumed the duties of Band Director at Heritage High School in 1984. Moving to Lynchburg from Georgia, I did not know many people in the area at all. Kelley was one of the first to introduce himself and make me feel welcome. That friendship stayed close until I left Virginia in 1998. Kelley was invariably kind, polite, and giving. He cared so much for his students. He was a good friend and always had a funny story to tell or something nice to say about someone. I am sad to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

I am sorry to learn of Kelly’s passing and offer my condolences. He was such a great teacher and I enjoyed knowing him during our early years of teaching at Brookville. 

Mr Shoe!!
So many of my favorite high school memories are because of what you created. You were, are and will always be a legend. You were one of the few people who truly lived and breathed their calling. While I was not talented enough to play an instrument in the marching band, I was in the flag corp for 4 yrs and thus under your guidance. I hope you know how many young lives you shaped even without words. Of all the memories what left the biggest mark is the influence and love you had for a fellow student. Whenever I hear the national anthem I am taken right back to every Friday night on that football field, holding our breath as Preston Coleman hit the high note like only he could, the kind that just cracks you open and makes the tears flow. I remember trying to hold them back, esp the years after Dusty and Trevor died, even the football players cried. It was a salve and maybe my first experience of how music heals.
I remember when Preston sang that song for you at his graduation. To this day I have never heard that song without welling up with tears. They were never sad tears though, they were from the recognition of how one person can touch another, from immense gratitude; the kind that makes your heart grow a couple sizes. 
Thank you for your devotion to music and to your students. A deep bow to you sir, the leader of our band. 
I am certain Preston was there to greet you. Play on you two!

Mr. Shoemaker was my band director for grades 6th-9th grade until he retired.  I have great memories of all of the ensembles, especially marching band and jazz band.  I made so many great friends through band.  He inspired me and others (Mike Allen) to major in music in college.  So many great memories!  

I enjoyed being in the band under Mr. Shoemaker's direction.  He gave it his all and had gifts in music and in ability to bond with middle and high school students.  Band is one of my great memories.  Mrs. Shoemaker, thanks for sharing him with us.  We share in your loss and have you in our thoughts.  
Susan Williams Armontrout, Class of 1975

I was a member of the first Brookville Band started by Mr. Shoemaker.  He taught me the clarinet and he was patient and kind. He was loved by all of his students.  Rest in Peace Mr. Shoemaker.

Class of 1992.  Mr. Shoemaker taught me all 3 years of middle school and in 8th grade I got the pleasure of being in marching band under his direction.  Loved this man.  As my son has played in Tazewell Marching Band it has made me think of Mr. Shoemaker alot.  He was well loved by all his students and band members.

I played on Mr. Shoemaker’s baseball teams of ‘65 and ‘66 at Brookville. Coaching may have been an assignment for him... it was certainly secondary to his responsibilities as Band and Chorus director. But he did a great job and it was a pleasure and real joy to play for him. He knew his baseball too, and he won the District Championship in ‘65.
We all loved him.

Mr Shoemaker was one of the best memories I have of high school. This man gave so much to the music program at Brookville! He actually taught us music and the love of music. I would run into him at the grocery store years later and he always had time to talk to me. What a great man that gave so much of himself to so many students throughout the years. Go in peace Mr. Shoe! I'm sure they needed one heck of a trombone player in heaven and they got one! Truly, one of a kind! 

In your years at Brookville you taught my older brother,  my older sister, me then you taught my sisters two boys.  You are a legend in our family.  You were a great teacher, mentor and friend.  Thank you for giving so much yourself to so many.

Mr. "Shoe" was more than just a teacher to me, he was a friend.  For years after graduation, he kept up with me and our family and often stopped by our home to socialize.  He was a special friend to many of us bank kids!  He was a talented musician with a passion for his music.  It was truly a calling.  He will be much missed!

Drum Major, 1988-89, BHS

Mr Shoe was a great band teacher and director. He was a good friend and mentor. He truly made a difference in so many lives. My favorite moments were when Shoe would break out the trombone and play along with the Jazz Band. He is missed. 

As I write this, my own son is performing in his high school all county band.....on what instrument? Trombone. 

God bless, Mr. Shoe. 

So sorry to hear about Mr. Shoe's passing.  What a great teacher, friend, mentor.  Chorus was the only class I excel in high school.  You made the class so enjoyable.  You new how to get the best out of each of us. So much fun in class and the mens ensemble.  Thanks for everything you did for me.
Rest in peace brother. 
Rocky Candler 
class of 70-73

I was saddened to here of Mr. Shoemakers passing, I was a member of the Brookville High School chorus during the 70’s and you would never find a finer man than him. RIP Mr. Shoemaker. He will be missed.

I was in Brookville when Kelly started the Band.  He taught every instrument. Amazing and he let me be on the baseball team.  Thank you Mr Shoemaker RIP.


He had stacks of broken instruments in his office that belonged to students whose families couldn’t afford or who didn’t want to pay to have someone else fix them, and because he knew a little about this also, people would ask him to do it. On his free time he did... at a slow pace, and people complained about it not ever taking into consideration the massive sacrifices on his personal time being a band director already took of him. 
He was an encourager and he believed in us all, and he loved what he did and though we may not have realized it as young and dumb middle school brats... I think most of us now do. 
I remember being in 6th grade and one night practicing at home I sounded out a Christmas song that we had never learned ( I always tended to play by ear anyway... sucked at reading music) 
I was so proud of sounding out the whole song I showed Shoe the next day in class and we had a Christmas Concert in a few days or weeks so Shoe asked me if I would be willing to play it as a solo and I was thrilled! 
I wish I could say that I was always a model student, but I wasn’t.... I liked to pull shenanigans as much as the next person did and I did get thrown out of class once for cutting the lights out during class because  it was our favorite thing to do because it annoyed him so much and made us all laugh... it was relatively harmless, but still a disruption and frustrated him and for that I’m sorry. 
Rest In Peace Mr Shoemaker, and thank you for your time, your talent and your heart... 
I pray tonight that you are in heaven directing or enjoying ( whichever you prefer most) a  concert fit for Jesus! ♥️

I saw this posted to Brookvilles class of 93’ page yesterday and was very sad to see this. 
I had Mr Shoemaker in Middle school Before I went to Va School of the Arts, “Shoe” was both band director for the middle and high school band. 
I have a mix of feelings today as I think about those days...
I remember a teacher that was SO kind he was often taken advantage of. He would loan money to kids wanting snack or ice cream money. 
He would purchase with his own money extra reeds to have on hand for students to then “purchase”  from him at a fair price so that if their reed broke during class they could still play their instrument with only a few minutes disruption. I was guilty as I’m sure many were, of never paying Mr Shoemaker back for those reeds and at the time it didn’t seem like a big deal, after all “what was a buck or two to a grown man??”  But as an adult,  now I know that add a dollar times each student who took one, times each class, times each year, and I’m sure that added up significantly over the years... and then weigh that across how much we all now understand that teachers get paid ( not much) in light of the BIG BIG difference they make in our lives and our future.  
Shoe also put up with the kids who used band as a place to “ get out of another class” and unfortunately to misbehave often. 
He helped students wanting to play but having no ability to afford an instrument, to be able to have access to something, even if it wasn’t their choice instrument, because he loved music so much. 
He had stacks of broken instruments in his office that belonged to students whose families couldn’t afford or who didn’t want to pay to have someone else fix them, and because he knew a little about this also, people would ask him to do it. On his free time he did... at a slow pace, and people complained about it not ever taking into consideration the massive sacrifices on his personal time being a band director already took of him.  ( Max’d out, will post again


Rest In Peace ol’ buddy.
Mr. Shoe, you have always been a class act. I will miss eating dinners with you.
I will always remember our many days on the baseball diamond and later in life on the drill field and band competitions. 
You and Betty are now reunited forever! 
Give Tony a big hug for me! Thanks for all you meant to my family and all you did for my political campaigns. I will miss you! Until we meet again.
Your Pal,
Jimmy Mays

Oh, Mr. Shoe. I'm glad I kept in touch over the years. You were such an influential and important teacher and friend in my life...a second father figure at times. You worked tirelessly to make the bands and orchestra the best they could be, and worked selflessly with students on an individual basis, encouraging, supporting, and kicking us in the butt when needed. As long as your students live on, so does your legacy and memories of you. Much love to you and your family. <3

Mr. Shoemaker had a huge impact on so many of us at Brookville, I will always remember him as encouraging and kind.  A role model for each of us.
I believe we were some of his first students, I graduated in 1969.

I'm so saddened to hear of Mr. Shoe's passing.  I was in chorus at BHS for all 4 years, graduating in 1972.    He was the greatest director and we all loved Mr. Shoemaker.  Such happy memories and fond times.  May he rest in peace and rise in Glory.  Sympathies to his family.

Thank you Mr. Shoemaker!  You were an amazing teacher! Hope you enjoy heaven's music!

Class of 1985

Never had him for a teacher but everyone had nothing but great things to say about him. Sorry for your loss

I was a 4 year member of the 1st ever BHS  majorette squad
(61-65).  Mr Shoe was always there for us...and to make sure we were "guiding right" in those parades!  Whenever I saw him he always knew me and wanted to know what I was doing.  A great musician and man.  RIP Mr Shoe!
 

What wonderful memories of my time playing with the BHS marching bees and jazz band!! 80-85. Mr. Shoe left one heck of a legacy!! RIP

Thanks for the memories at BHS Class of 1992. RIP Mr. Shoemaker you were a sweet soul! 

You will be sadly missed by many of us ( your chorus class/BHS class of '75).  You were not only my very favorite teacher all through high school but quite a mentor and such a kind person.  REST EASY MR.SHOE....I know you are directing the Angel choir.. Prayers to your family during their difficult time.

Pamela Lynne Wood Taylor

You was the best. Everything a teacher should be,you was. RIP

My freshman year of Marching Band (rifle corps) at Brookville High was under the direction of Mr. Shoemaker, which was his last year before retirement. In that short time he became someone I knew I would never forget. Many moons after I graduated high school, whenever I would see him out and about he ALWAYS remembered my name. Such a sweet and funny man! ♥️

Mr. Shoemaker was a great influence to all his band students. He will be missed !

Brookville High School Marching Band from 90’ - 93’

OBITUARIO

Kelley Andrew Shoemaker

25 octubre, 1933 – 8 diciembre, 2019

Whitten Timberlake Chapel

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