Shadwick, Joe Allen

World War II Veteran Was Longtime Principal At East Lake Elementary

  • Sunday, April 22, 2018
Joe Shadwick
Joe Shadwick

Joe Allen Shadwick, 92, of Soddy Daisy passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 22, 2018.

He was born the eighth of 10 children to a coal miner and his wife. Joe’s passion in life was all about people. Though small and weak as a child, he grew into a man much admired, respected, and loved by many. Joe served his country as an Army Signal Corp Staff Sargent in World War II. After returning from the war, he became enamored with his future wife, Mary Schuhmacher, while watching her practice basketball at Soddy Daisy High School. Upon the condition that she be allowed to go to college, she agreed to marry him and the rest is history. They both graduated from the University of Chattanooga, completed their master’s degree at MTSU, and shared a teaching career of 35 years. One of his greatest accomplishments was flying an F-80 Shooting Star for an hour as a requirement for his degree. Joe was principal of East Lake Elementary for 24 years, and loved every child he encountered; even though he said some took longer to love than others. Up until the very end, he could still recount his many adventures and loved to tell others his stories.

Joe was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Soddy Daisy where he served as Sunday School teacher, deacon, trustee and was a member of the the Joy Sunday School class. Joe served as city commissioner for eight years and vice-mayor for six years in Soddy Daisy.  He taught Hunter and Fire Arm Safety Classes for 35 years with his son Bill.  Joe was a member of the TWRA Hunter Ed Hall of Fame.   

Joe had many hobbies with flying being his favorite.

“And now (and as of 1:28 on Sunday, April 22, 2018) he slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter silvered wings. Sunward he climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of- wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, he chased the shouting wind along, and flung his eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue he topped the windswept heights with easy grace where never lark, or even eagle flew-and, while with silent lifting mind he trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out his hand and touched the face of God.” John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

He will be missed by many and loved always because of the love he showed others.

He was preceded in death by his wife, and best buddy of 58 years, Mary Louise Shadwick; son, Michael Allen Shadwick; parents, John Thomas Shadwick and Mary Francis (Molly) Shadwick (born Lewis); brothers, Ray, Roy, and James Floyd Shadwick; sisters, Lillian Christian, Leila Ruth Shadwick, Hazel Penney, and Helen Smith; and his beloved Army Captain Fred Chuning.

He is survived by his son, William Joseph (Ruth Ann) Shadwick; brother, Billy M. (Shirley) Shadwick; sister, Jane Buckner; granddaughters, Lindsay Michelle Shadwick and Hillacy Nichole (Tony) Williams; great-grandson, Noah Williams; sister-in-law, Sue (Ken) Wilkey, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, and 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Joe will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, at the North Chapel with Reverend Sherry Harris and Dr. Seton Tomyn assisting. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neighborhood Helpers, P. O. Box 771, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37384.  

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.  

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com 

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