Robert Shumake, Jr.

Robert "Robby" Parish Shumake, Jr. of Orange Grove, Texas, walked into Heaven on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at his home. Robby was born on December 25, 1949 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Robert and Alice Shumake. He graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School in 1969, and on January 20, 1970, he married the love of his life, Suzie. Robby started his career as a Corpus Christi firefighter and in his later years retired from Koch Refinery. He was a Godly man whose greatest joy in life was his wife, children, grandchildren and soon to be great granddaughter. Robby is survived by his wife of 47 years, Suzie; his son, Jerrell (Rebakah); daughter, Laura (Rene); and his bonus "son" Jarrett Merritt. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, LaDawn Jackson, Brandon Silva, Jemma Shumake, Kathryn Silva, and Christopher Silva. Robby was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Orpha, Cloice, Mona, Nelda and Celia; a brother, Gary; and his in-laws, Claude and Margaret "Mugsy" Merritt. Robby's life revolved around his love for his family, love for God, and the many friends he made in this life. He was a man who never met a stranger, always spoke his mind, but when he spoke, he spoke from the heart. He touched many lives who are better off for having known him. He will truly be missed by his surviving sisters, brothers, in-laws, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the Sawyer-George Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held 11:30 A.M. Thursday, March 16, 2017 at the Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Don Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery at 1:00 P.M. Pallbearers will be Jarrett Merritt, Brandon Silva, Christopher Silva, Darrell Spitzer, Kevin Duiett, Patrick Garrett, Dustin Meyer, Levi Garrett, and George Rhyne.