Bion "Bj" Legrand Shoemaker

Bion Legrand "BJ" Shoemaker, 92, of Inman, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Born on June 21, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a son of the late Bion Legrand Shoemaker, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Saunders Shoemaker.

BJ dedicated his life to serving others with honor and integrity. He served in the Army Reserves and enjoyed a distinguished career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, retiring in 1989 after more than 28 years of service as a Senior Supervising Resident FBI Agent in Charge in Greenville, South Carolina. Following his retirement, he and his beloved wife, Dorothy, enjoyed a successful career together in real estate, where they ranked among the top one percent of Realtors in America.

A man of deep faith, BJ served as a Presbyterian deacon before becoming an active member of First Baptist Church of Boiling Springs. He earned his Doctor of Laws degree from University of Florida, Stetson Law School.

BJ embraced life with a spirit of adventure. He loved traveling throughout the western United States and treasured cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. Among his favorite destinations were the majestic Canadian Rockies. Whether traveling with family or friends, he appreciated God's creation and the memories made along the way.

Above all, BJ cherished his family. He shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Dorothy Eva Morgan Shoemaker, until her passing in June of 2022. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, faith, and partnership.

He is survived by his son, Michael Stephen Shoemaker of Columbia, South Carolina; his sister, Ermina Cameron (Jack) of Greer, South Carolina; his brother, Rev. Vaughn Shoemaker (Sandra) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and his special friend, Tom Weber.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by his son, David Alan Shoemaker.

A celebration of BJ's life will be held at Boiling Springs First Baptist Church, at 3:00 PM, Sunday, August 2, 2026, with Rev. Dr. Ronnie Cox officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.