Kenneth Wayne Shumate

Kenneth Wayne Shumate, 89, of Reidsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Reidlawn Cemetery in Reidsville.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanette Shumate; his daughter, Donna Ashley; his parents, Earnest and Ruth Shumate; and brothers, Haywood, Garland, Melvin, Elmo, and Bobby, and sisters, Melba, Ruth, and Patricia.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Darrell Shumate and wife, Cindy, along with his treasured grandchildren, Cameron Trollinger (Sean), Kacie Shumate, and Kyle Ashley, and his precious great-grandchildren, Hallel and Sonny Trollinger.

Kenneth dedicated more than 44 years of service to Cone Mills White Oak Plant, where he earned the respect of his coworkers through his dedication, dependability, and strong work ethic. Away from work, he enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved mowing yards, growing tomatoes, cheering for his beloved Duke Blue Devils, and spending time with family and friends.

Kenneth spent many years coaching Little League and Pony League baseball, but his greatest role was being a coach in life to those he loved. Through his example, he taught kindness, integrity, humility, and compassion, always putting others before himself and never hesitating to lend a helping hand. Kenneth will be remembered as a devoted family man whose gentle spirit and selfless heart touched all who knew him. A proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his family was always his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. To his family, he was a source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. He was simply the best Dad and the best PawPaw. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the memories he created and the values he instilled in those he loved.

"A life lived for others is a life that will never be forgotten."