William (Bill) Wilson Shoemaker, 85, of Shallotte, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 1, 2025. He was born in Coddle Creek Township near Mooresville, NC on March 22, 1940, the eldest son of the late Woodrow Wilson and Mildred Davis Shoemaker. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Priscilla Pinkston Shoemaker, his son, Wesley Shoemaker, his brother, Benny Shoemaker, and sisters, Barbara Shoemaker Burns and Patty Shoemaker Binkley.

He was a graduate of Red Springs High School in Red Springs, NC, Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC, and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. He was a public school teacher, administrator, coach, and principal for over thirty years, concluding his distinguished career at Waccamaw School in Ash, NC.

His low key demeanor and patience served both him and the numerous students he encountered well, as he was a key player in the students preparation for the lives they had ahead. Many of his students viewed him as a mentor and life coach.

Bill enjoyed everything associated with the game of golf, serving as the golf coach for many years at 71st High School in Fayetteville, NC, and pursuing an envied PGA Card earlier in his playing career that would have placed him at the professional golfing level. From playing most of the golf courses in this area, enjoying rounds with his fellow players, excitedly viewing the professionals, and making clubs for himself and others, Bill had a major passion for the game of golf. In addition, Bill enjoyed the solitude of reading, painting, music and the arts. Bill also was an active participant in several bowling leagues, spending quality time with Priscilla. 

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Adelaide Shoemaker of Red Springs, NC; sister-in-law, Kay Pinkston Coley of Concord, NC; brother-in-law, LeRoy Binkley of Lititz, PA; niece Kay Carreira (Brian) of Pineville, NC; nephew, Mark Shoaf (Kamm) of Piedmont, SC; nephew Brandon Binkley of Lititz, PA; nephew Wyatt Binkley (Janette) of Chesapeake, VA; and great-niece, Gracie Carreira of Pineville, NC.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on July 16, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, Shallotte, NC, where Bill was a longtime member and Sunday School Teacher. Pastor Joe Needham will conduct the service. The family will receive friends immediately afterwards.

Special thanks are extended to Jamie and Tracey Saracelli, Deborah Sherman, the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, and dedicated staff at Autumn Care of Shallotte.

 In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to the charity of your choice or to the Baptist Children’s Home of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361 (Designate for Odum Home in Pembroke, NC).