Raymond Jilton Shumate

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our loving son, Raymond Jilton Shumate, age 39 of Niota, TN. He passed on November 21, 2022. Raymond attended Pond Hill Baptist Church in Niota.

He has joined his son Luke Waylon Shumate and Paternal grandparents, Coy and Pearl Shumate and maternal grandparents Wilma Mansfield and Raymond Barber. As well as many fellow veterans.

He leaves behind a son Jake Shumate of Athens, TN.

Loving parents Coy and Nancy Shumate of Athens, TN.

Sisters: Shelly Shumate of Sanderson, FL, Jesslynn Shumate of Gainesville, FL and Kelsey Shumate of Athens, TN.

Brothers: Coy (Bubba) Shumate of Ocala, FL and Derrick Shumate of Knoxville, TN.

Nephews: Chapland Crews, Caden Shumate, both of Macclenny, FL. Cameron, Colten and Chevy Shumate of Athens, TN.

Several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mother of his children: Jennifer Kessler Shumate and his special friend Stephanie Bingham.

Raymond was born September 1983 in Jacksonville, FL. He was a resident of Baker County, FL until moving with his family to East TN in 1994. He was employed at Walmart of Athens until graduating from McMinn County High School in 2002. He enlisted in the Army February 2002.  He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. He completed AIT in Aberdeen MD. He reported for duty to Vilseck, Germany 2003, with the Bravo Company 201st FSB 3rd brigade, 1st infantry division, as a certified mechanic, where he remained until 2006. He and his family were then moved stateside to Maryland and Raymond worked at the NCOA 16th Ordinance Brigade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD until 2007. In 2007 they returned to Vilseck, Germany, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, Regimental Support Squadron where he remained stationed until his honorable discharge in 2010. He also completed two combat tours during the Iraq Campaign from Feb 2004-March 2005 and again in Oct 2007- Oct 2008. Raymond also served on a TDY task force in Romania. He was currently enrolled at TCAT in weldi

Raymond was a very passionate person, he loved with all he had. If he loved you, you never had a doubt. He was driven by his love for his children and his family. He was an avid weight trainer. He loved the mountains of East TN, although he had been around the world, he said "no place he would rather be." He was so proud of his service to his country and never forgot the bonds forged during those times. His loyalty knew no bounds. Always helping those who could not help themselves. His heart was so big. We have lost a good son/man, taken way too soon. He will be greatly missed and forever loved.

Services will be at Ziegler Funeral Home 521 West Madison Ave. Athens, TN.

Visitation for family and friends is Tuesday Nov 29 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Services at the funeral home on Wednesday November 30 at 11:00 am with Pastor Travis Roberts of Pond Hill Baptist Church officiating.

Interment with military honors to follow at 2:00 pm in the Chattanooga National Cemetery 1200 Bailey Ave. Chattanooga, TN. Please be at the cemetery by 1:30 pm if you plan to attend.

Pallbearers will be Derrick Shumate, Sr., Tony O'Berry, Charles Perdue, Kyle Muchmore, Adam Davis and Michael Cook.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Raymond Jilton Shumate.