Shoemaker, Gordon Ray, 81, was born in Birmingham, AL on May 20, 1931. He went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2012. An only child, he was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Josephine Ford Shoemaker, and his father, Raymond Shoemaker. Gordon is survived by his wife of 61 wonderful years, Carrie "Dolly" Shoemaker; his three children, Raymond Lee (Libby) Shoemaker, Paul (Gina) Shoemaker, and Anita (Jerry) Gray; three grandchildren, Andi (Bradley) Cole, Rebecca Shoemaker, and Megan Shoemaker; and one great-grandchild, Victoria Cole. He is also survived by two cousins, a host of in-laws, and his Chihuahua, Precious. United Methodist by faith, Gordon was a member of Alabaster First UMC. Visitation will be at Elmwood Chapel on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral will be Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 11:00 am at Elmwood Chapel, officiated by The Rev. Miriam Smith, immediately followed by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alabaster First UMC, 10903 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007.
