Donald Edward Shoesmith

Donald Edward Shoesmith, 93, of James Island, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest surrounded by family on December 2, 2024 of natural causes. Donald was born April 3, 1931 in Fall River, Massachusetts and is the son of Albert Shoesmith and Mary Jane Shoesmith (Corbishley).

Donald honorably served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years when he retired in 1972 as a Chief Petty Officer. For most of his career, he worked as a diesel engineman aboard nine submarines and made cruises around South America and the Far East. After retirement, he held other positions including working for the Prelude Lobster Corporation, owning a painting company, and maintaining high end properties in Charleston, SC.

Donald enjoyed woodworking, watching sports, and travelling with his wife Patricia, of 70 years. They especially enjoyed attending submarine reunions all over the country. Donald is survived by his three children, Debbie Robison (Mark), Daniel Shoesmith, and Donna Chace (Oren). Donald will be missed dearly by his four grandchildren: Katlyn Straup (Ryan), Kyle Chace (Katie), Brett Robison (Robbin), and Brad Robison (Katie) as well as his great grandchildren: Chelsea, Cameren, Austin, Hudson, Hayden, Aubree, Chace, and Riley.

Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia, and brother Albert Shoesmith. With sincere gratitude, the family would like to recognize Donald’s caregivers, Carolyn Coaxum and Yolanda White. A service will be held at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 347 Folly Road, James Island South Carolina on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:00 am. To honor Donald’s love ofdogs, the family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Greyhound Pets of America – Charleston Chapter (adoptcharlestongreys.org).