Tiny Walter Shoaf

Tiny Walter Shoaf would have been 93 on June 30th. He passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on June 1, while convalescing from hip surgery at the N. C. State Veterans Home in Salisbury. Born in Salisbury, he grew up in the Ellis Cross Roads area and graduated in 1942 from Spencer High School. He met his wife, Mamie Frances Willard while working at the N. C. Finishing Co. They eloped upon word that Walt was being drafted for service in WWII and were married for over 70 years. Frances preceded him in death in 2014. Walt served in the Army from April 1944 to July 1946 and ended his service assigned to the 245th Quartermaster Depot Supply Company. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, and told many fascinating tales about his service in France, Germany and Belgium. Walt was a member of the Harold B. Jarret Post of the VFW. Upon being discharged from the service Walt studied business at Salisbury Business College and later went on to study barbering at Winston Salem Barber College. Walt worked for 13 years as a barber at the Yadkin Hotel in Salisbury. In 1962 he opened the West Innes Barbershop with his partner, Cecil Clark. 53 years later, at the age of 90, Walt reluctantly retired. Known for the “good luck hair cut” he loved his work. His customers were also his friends. Aside from his wife, family, and barbering career, Walt’s true love was golf! He was a member of Corbin Hills Golf Club in Salisbury and played with his golfing buddies on courses all over the Carolinas. His love of the sport extended to producing custom-made golf clubs, which he did as a hobby. Though his health prevented him in recent years from playing regular rounds of golf he was still able to “putt” and did so several times a week with his dear friend, Jerry Allman. He was an amazing sight to see using his walker to make his way around the putting green, still able to collect the occasional quarter bet from Jerry! He scored his last hole in one in a regular round on his 88th birthday. Walt was the son of the late C.C. and Alice Cope Shoaf. His sister Lizzy Pepper and brothers Houston and J. C. Shoaf also preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Timothy Walter Shoaf (Cece) of Appleton, WI, daughter, Randye Shoaf Royston of Santa Rosa, CA; 4 grandchildren: Thomas (Jamie) Shoaf of Appleton, WI, Ryan Shoaf (U.S. Navy-Japan), James Royston of Santa Rosa, CA, and Rebecca Royston of Watsonville, CA.; Nephews: Robert Willard, Aiken, S. C., Charles (Gloria) Shoaf, Salisbury, N. C. and Houston Shoaf, Jr (Shirley) of Florida; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ. The family would like to acknowledge neighbors, Darlene and Bernie McDonald, and George Edwards and staff from Bayada Nursing Care for all their wonderful care and support. The family would also like to thank all of Walt’s caring friends especially the College Barbeque Breakfast Club and staff. You always made his day. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Summersett Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Friday, June 9, 2017 at Summersett Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jerry Sipes officiating. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery with Military Honors by the Rowan County Honor Guard. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Shoaf family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Tiny Walter Shoaf

June 30, 1924 - June 1, 2017