Bill M. Shumate

BILL M. SHUMATE, 83, of Little Rock, was promoted to his Heavenly mansion Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. He was a former member, Deacon, and Sunday school teacher at Orion Missionary Baptist Church, and currently at Grace Missionary Baptist Church. He served in the United States Army and retired after 40 years from Swift Independent Packing Company. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Juanita Shumate; daughter, Susan Griffis (Gary); daughter-in-law, Barbara; grandchildren, Bryan Shumate (Tammy), Brent Shumate (Shannon), Brooke Shumate, and Dale Griffis (Tandra); great-grandchildren, Faith, Bryanna, Brendon, Madison, Blane, Malachi, Jeremy, and Trenton; brothers, Don Shumate (Patsy), J.T. Shumate (Juanita), and Robert Shumate (Ann); and sister, Bobbie Joslin (Odis). He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vivian E. Glover Shumate; son, Billy Wayne Shumate; and six brothers and sisters. A celebration of life with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 at North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel, 1921 Main Street, 758-1170. Memorials may be made in Bill's honor to Grace Missionary Baptist Church Missions, 4425 West Vinson, Little Rock, Ark. 72206. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.