James "Eddie" Edward Shewmaker

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, James Edward Shewmaker, Sr., known as Eddie, passed away at home at the age of 101.  Eddie was born to Ard Troy Shewmaker and Cynthia Elizabeth Gramling on January 22, 1922, in Stanford, Arkansas.  He was the oldest of eight children.  Eddie’s 101 years of life were defined by his selflessness and an undying love for God and family. 

Eddie graduated from Harding College with a degree in Chemistry in May 1944.  He then served in the Army during World War II.  Upon returning, Eddie married the love of his life Reba Faye Nadeau.  Eddie and Reba Faye were married for 73 years.  Together they raised 5 children and were loving parental figures to many others.  Eddie earned his Doctorate in Chemistry in May 1951 from the University of Nebraska.  Upon graduation Eddie accepted a position at Esso Research and Engineering in Linden, New Jersey with the dual goals of employment and starting a Church of Christ in the underserved state of New Jersey.  Eddie worked for Esso and later Exxon for over 30 years.  In September 1951, Eddie helped found Echo Lake Church of Christ in Westfield, New Jersey.  Eddie also worked tirelessly towards the advancement of Christian education.  He helped establish Northeastern Christian Junior College in 1959 and served on the board of NCJC and later Ohio Valley University.  After nearly 60 years in New Jersey, Eddie and Reba moved to Paragould where they worshipped with the Center Hill Church of Christ congregation.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Reba Faye Shewmaker; and siblings, Ancil Shewmaker, Mary Emma Fitzgerald, Vivian Groves, and Gloria Shewmaker.

Survivors include his son and daughter in law, Jim and Doris Shewmaker; daughters and sons in law, Cyndi Rhodes (pre-deceased), Ann and Tom Turnbull, Jane Neu, Mary and Erick Bachman; siblings, Kenneth Shewmaker, David Shewmaker, and Eunice Higgins; grandchildren, Nathan, Aaron, Marisa, Daniel, Laura, Avery, Adrienne, Rachel, Jacob (pre-deceased), Cassidy, Dustin; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday, October 28, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with David Deffenbaugh and Winston Redwood officiating.  Burial will follow at Croft Cemetery.

Lasting memorials may be made to Crowley’s Ridge Academy, Crowley’s Ridge College, or the Children’s Homes of Paragould.

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