Thomas Lee Shoemate went to be with Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 12:18 PM. Through Grace, God relieved Tom of his earthly battles with multiple health issues. The Grace which covers everything we face from the time we accept Jesus as our Savior until He calls us Home.
Tom was born on October 27, 1938, in Pikeville, Tennessee to Rufus Byron Shoemate and Eunice Lee Douglas Shoemate. He was saved through the witness of his second-grade teacher. Later, Tom attended Sequatchie County High School where he excelled in basketball and basketball. However, he received the most attention from being a left-handed force from the mound on the baseball team. He graduated from Sequatchie County High School with the Class of 1957.
While in high school, Tom met Lillian Sue Agee, his first and forever love. They soon fell in love and married. His favorite times revolved around being with Sue. One of those moments Tom spoke of so often was when Sue would crawl on the bed to play her guitar and sing. Through smooth times and rough times, the love they shared for each other never ceased. Tom entered the army for three years and was honorably discharged. During this time, Tom and Sue had their first child, Susan Lee. Afterwards, they moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee where they had two more children, Thomas Gregory and Karen Sybil. Tom received training through an army program where he learned how to manage garment industries which he predominantly practiced for the next fifty years. During this time, he was called to preach which led to pastoring several churches in Tennessee and North Carolina. This proved to be his greatest joy through sharing the story of Jesus’ Gospel and the comfort it provides even in the worst of times. He also found time to coach a few little league baseball teams where he was very successful with wins and more importantly in leading some beloved young men to Jesus. He spent the last seventeen years pastoring Melville Baptist serving his dear congregation.
Tom was always involved in his children’s activities. Family time was held at a premium and he loved it dearly. Hugging was the only acceptable method of greeting. Singing, telling stories, playing with the kids, grandkids, great-grandkids were moments he cherished. He loved a good ballgame on TV especially with a bowl of ice cream. Sitting on the back porch with Sue watching the birds in the feeders and drinking coffee was also a favorite pastime. Bible study with Sue often accompanied these times. He enjoyed camping and being near the water where he loved to fish. He caught the bass fishing bug late in life. There were few conversations that didn’t at some point zero in on a new bait or method to catch a large-mouth bass. His favorite part was allowing the bass to run once it was hooked so he could savor the moment. Thankfully, God provided several of these moments. Tom cared more for others than he did for himself and would happily give his last dime to someone he felt needed it more than him; and that would have been anyone.
Tom loved God, family, friends, the United States and life. He was always ready to share an encouraging word along with a smile that resulted in mutual confidence. When speaking with Tom, there was a sense that this was the most important thing he could be doing. He was blessed with a gift that drew people to him. He never wasted the opportunity to present the source of this gift, Jesus Christ.
Tom was preceded by his father, Rufus Byron Shoemate; mother, Eunice Lee Douglas Shoemate; 2 brothers and 4 sisters. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lillian Sue Shoemate; daughter, Susan Lee Painter (Bob); son, Thomas Gregory Shoemate (Lisa); daughter, Karen Sybil Parrott (Scott) brother John Pelham Shoemate (Janice) and sister Mary Boston. He leaves a legacy of 9 grandchildren, 18 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Tom’s main goal in life was to present Jesus Christ every chance he got. I know he would want everyone here today to look inside and feel the Holy Spirit’s call to salvation. Tom would say to act on that call and become one of the chosen so he can celebrate now and hug you later. Please, don’t miss that chance.
A the family will receive friends from 1 pm till 3 pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Melville Baptist Church, 9067 Daisy Dallas Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.
A celebration of life will follow at 3:00 PM, on Saturday at Melville Baptist Church. The burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5351 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to Melville Baptist Church, 9067 Daisy Dallas Road, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee 37379.
