Herman Ray Shoemaker

Herman Shoemaker, 79, of Mobile, AL, retired executive vice president at the University of Mobile and former administrator in the Mobile County Public School System, died Jan. 10 following a lengthy illness.

He left a legacy of encouragement and faith in both his personal and professional life, making a positive impact not only in his family, but also through mentoring students and co-workers at the University of Mobile.

A native of Hartselle, Alabama, Shoemaker graduated from Morgan County High School. He was a quarterback at Livingston State University and graduated in 1958 with a bachelor of science in physical education. He earned a master’s degree in school administration in 1965 and AA certification in school administration in 1974 from the University of Alabama.

He started his teaching and coaching career at Slocomb High School in Geneva County in 1958, then moved to the Mobile County Public School System in 1962. He served at Toulminville Junior High School, K.J. Clark, B.C. Rain High School, Sidney Phillips and Vigor High School, in capacities as teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal.

He moved to the central office in 1975 as administrative assistant responsible for the daily operation of high schools in Alabama’s largest school system, then director of employee relations. From 1980 to 1987, Shoemaker was legislative lobbyist for MCPSS.

He joined the University of Mobile in 1987 as assistant to the president for enrollment management and subsequently served as vice present for enrollment management, vice president for student services, and executive vice president. He retired from full-time work in 1999 and continued as a part-time consultant for many years. During his tenure, Shoemaker developed a highly effective recruiting and student development system, resulting in dramatic enrollment increases.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; two daughters, Angela (David) Santom and Mandy (Brian) Boyle; three granddaughters, Caitlyn Koh, Savannah Boyle and McKenzie Boyle, and one grandson, Jonathan Koh.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, from 4-7 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home Mobile on Dauphin Street. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 13, at 12 noon at Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, where he was a member.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Herman Shoemaker Endowed Scholarship at the University of Mobile, 5735 College Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36613.