Henry Charles Shoemake

Henry Charles Shoemake, age 84, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed peacefully at his home on Monday January 26th, 2026.

Charles was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose gentle spirit touched everyone he met. He was a man who always extended a helping hand—to neighbors, to his church, and to his family. A true giver of his time and skills, he devoted countless hours assisting others with building projects, farming tasks, or whatever needs arose.

As a longtime Deacon at Crossroads Baptist Church in Cumming, Georgia, Charles lived his faith in the most genuine way—through quiet service, compassion, and a humble heart. He dearly loved his church and the people in it, treating the congregation like an extension of his own family. In his role as Deacon, he worked faithfully to help Crossroads stay rooted in God’s Word and to ensure the church remained a steady, welcoming light for the community he cherished so deeply.

 He loved traveling with Barbara and their close friends, cherishing the memories they made together across 49 states. Of all their adventures, the trips to Cades Cove, Tennessee held a special place in his heart—quiet moments, beautiful scenery, and time spent with the people he loved most. Charles also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: hunting with friends, searching through flea markets, and discovering old farm tools and implements. Collecting those pieces wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was a way of honoring the past and celebrating the kind of hardworking, down-to-earth life he admired.

Born and raised in Forsyth County, Charles spent his entire life living, working, and farming on the land that shaped him. That family farm wasn’t just where he was born and grew up, it was the place that grounded him, strengthened his character, and gave him a deep sense of purpose. It’s on that same beloved property that he and Barbara built their home together and raised their family, creating a lifetime of memories in the place that meant the most to them.

Charles will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and his unwavering dedication to the people he loved.

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara Shoemake; his parents Walter and Emma Shoemake; brothers Chesley, Warren and Ray, and sister, Wilma Raines.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa Abernathy and son-in-law Michael Abernathy; his son Neil Shoemake and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Shoemake, his grandchildren Mitchel & Heather Abernathy, Paul & Jamie Abernathy, Carly & Sam Rolph, John Wesley Shoemake, and Sam Shoemake; and his greatgrandchildren Colton, Austin, Alyssa, Claire, Caleb, Cooper, Edmond, and Alfred. Henry is also survived by his sisters Edna Graham and Martha Martin, his brother Raymond Shoemake, and sister-in-law Patricia Shoemake. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Crossroads Baptist Church in Forsyth County.  Rev. Donnie Nix and Rev. Garry English will officiate. Interment will follow the service in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Little & Davenport Funeral Home Friday February 6 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday February 7 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Arrangements are in the care of Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

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