Elton LaRoy Shoemaker Sr.

Elton was born March 6, 1939 to Roy and Emily Shoemaker in Cherokee, Texas. He was the oldest of seven children.

Elton graduated from Sam Houston High School and married his high school sweetheart, Susan Kay Steele (Susie), in 1958. He attended the University of Houston and pursued a major in business with a concentration in retail management. Elton would utilize his education, interest in retailing, and work ethic to climb the retail ladder. He would become a district manager at W.T. Grant Co. and Roses stores, own a hardware store (Hipps Hardware of Charlotte), partner with Susan to open Fantacy’s at the Overstreet Mall and Charlotte Douglas Airport and serve as interim CEO for Mecklenburg Co. ABC.

Elton enjoyed and took an active role in local politics. Specifically, he ran for Charlotte City Council, attended the "Thursday Morning" political forum, often wrote "letters to the editor" published in the Charlotte Observer and helped fundraise and support other local politicians’ campaigns.

Together, Elton and Susan went on to raise three children. While Elton worked hard professionally, was active in politics, and an ardent basketball (ACC) fan, his true passion was spending time with family. “Pop” valued attending his children’s and grandchildren’s recitals, sporting events, graduations, birthdays or anything else that gave him a reason to be involved in their lives.

Elton was preceded in death by Elton Jr. and his brother Dennis. He is survived by his beloved wife (Susie); sisters, Yvonne, Amelia, and Ava; two children, Stacy (A.J.) and Jack (Ann); seven grandchildren, Trey, Jace (Katie), Jenna (Anthony), John, Amy (Taylor), Adam (Lanie), Olivia; and five great grandchildren: Andi, Tripp, Skylar, Cameron and Asher.

He will be greatly missed.

A service to celebrate Elton's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 5th at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road. His family will receive friends following the service.

For those wishing to join the service via livestream, please go the services section at the end of the obituary and click on "Join Livestream". It can be accessed by 5:50 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.