Richard Denman Shoemaker

Richard Denman Shoemaker 1948-2014. Richard Shoemaker, 66, of Oxford, Mississippi died of natural causes recently at home. He was preceded in death by his parents William Millard and Alice Vivian Shoemaker and his older sister Susan Shoemaker Hume (Robert) of Fort Payne, AL. He is survived by his older brother William (Sara) of Santa Rosa, CA. Rick was born January 9, 1948 in Meridian, MS and grew up in Jackson and Meridian. He graduated from Meridian High School and, like many in his family attended The University of Mississippi. Academics did not suit him so he left the University and enlisted in the Army in 1970. He served as historian for his unit which was deployed to Vietnam. Rick had strong native abilities to interact effectively with people and to be creative with food and drink, which led him to a career involving a wide range of positions at a variety of restaurants all over the US including Cliff House at Pike's Peak, CO, Poets in Jackson, MS, Syd & Harry's on the square in Oxford, MS, and Bay Gourmet Cafe (jointly with his sister) in Niceville, FL. He concluded his career as chef and restaurant manager at the Seasons Restaurant on Bluewater Bay Country Club in Niceville, FL. Rick had a big heart and was committed to things he loved regardless of their apparent goodness. He cheered for the Cubs and all Ole Miss sports teams. To him there was no dog better than his faithful companion Raisin, a mutt of uncertain lineage but total charm. If we measure a person by the animals they raise, Rick was a totally trusting soul. Everyone Rick knew or worked with received a goofy nick name, and in turn, Rick was “Big Daddy” to many. He was always willing to give anything he had to a friend in need and will be missed by many who crossed his life path. No formal memorial service is planned. Rick will be laid to rest alongside his parents at Lakewood Memorial Park, Jackson, MS. Memorial donations may be made to the William M. & Alice D. Shoemaker Scholarship in Biology, P.O. Box 249, University, MS, 38677.