James "Cotton" Shoaf

With great sadness, we announce the passing of James Carlton "Cotton" Shoaf, a beloved resident of Lexington, North Carolina. Born on May 18, 1931, James was a cherished member of his community and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 93 on December 25, 2024.

James was well-known in the Lexington area for owning and operating Shoaf Septic, a business through which he served the community diligently for many years. He was respected for his hard work, integrity, and dedication to providing quality service to his customers.

Preceding him in death are is parents, John Willie Shoaf and Mamie Perryman Shoaf, his step mother, Addie Shoaf, his brother, Alfred Shoaf, and his sisters; Audrey Everhart, Anna Lynn Potts, and Carol Phillips.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 75 years, Mary Virginia Myers Shoaf, his sons; Jimmy Shoaf, and his wife, Betty, Dennis Shoaf, his wife Donna Sue, his daughter, Donna Barney and her husband Dean, his brother-in-law, Buford Phillips, six grandchildren; Scott Shoaf (Stephanie), Brad Shoaf (Jill), Phillip Shoaf (Elizabeth), Clint Shoaf (Hannah), Andrew Barney  (Valerie), and Anna York (Matt), twelve great-grandchildren; Taylor Wall (Chase), Tyson Shoaf, Connor Shoaf, Carlee Shoaf, Maddox Shoaf, Luke Shoaf, Addison Shoaf, Carter Shoaf, Colton Barney, Elyse Barney, Lilly York, and Clara York, and one great-great grandchild, Capri Wall.

Outside of his professional life, James was a devoted parishioner of Friendship Church of Lexington. His faith was an essential part of his life, and he found great comfort and fellowship within his church community. He was a hard worker and still driving a tank truck at the age of 85. Later in life he enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors. He enjoyed raising produce and sharing it with his friends and family.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate James's life at a memorial service on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Friendship Church of Lexington. The service will begin at 4:00 PM, and all who knew him are welcome to attend. The celebration of life will be officiated by Pastor Tony Medlin.  The family will visit with friends Friday December 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Davidson Funeral Home Lexington.

The arrangements for James Shoaf's services have been lovingly provided by Davidson Funeral Home, who have been entrusted with ensuring a fitting farewell for a remarkable man.

James will be forever remembered for his kindness, humility, and the warmth he shared with all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love and a community of family and friends who will miss him deeply.

The family wishes to express our love and appreciation to his caregivers, Alice Byerly, Eric Byerly, Jessica Payne, Kathy Rice and Diane Walser, for the love and care shown to our dad.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to: Friendship Church of Lexington: 2840 Friendship Church Road, Lexington, NC 27295 or Hospice of Davidson County: 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 honoring his memory and his commitment to helping others.

This is not goodbye, but see you later.