October 8, 2026, 70, Princeton – Carl William Shumate II, known affectionately as “Shu,” “Big Shu,” and “Billy Bob”, age 70, of Princeton, passed away at home on Thursday, October 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Carl married the love of his life, Karen Knick Shumate, on July 19, 1980. They shared many cherished years together until her passing on July 24, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his beloved son, Marc Harris Shumate, who passed away on August 19, 2014.
Carl was a proud graduate of Tunstall High School in Dry Fork, Virginia, graduating in 1974. He went on to attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he graduated in 1978. Following college, he returned to his alma mater, Tunstall High School, to serve as an agriculture teacher, beginning a career that would shape the lives of generations of students over the next 33 years.
Teaching was more than a profession for Carl; it was a calling. He loved Tunstall High School and devoted himself to its students and activities. Throughout his career, he was actively involved with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), served as the Tunstall High School baseball coach, and coached Parliamentary Procedure. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and ball field, leaving a lasting impression on the many students, fortunate enough to learn from him. Those students remained an important part of his life and legacy.
An avid sports fan, Carl was especially passionate about Virginia Tech and proudly supported the Hokies. He had a keen interest in marksmanship, baseball, and football, and these interests brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.
Above all else, Carl loved his family. They were the center of his world and the greatest source of meaning in his life. His beloved wife, Karen, and son, Marc, held a special place in his heart, as did Drake Shumate and Jamie Shumate. He also treasured his best friend and brother-in-law, Clay Knick, and Clay’s wife, Lisa, as well as his sister-in-law, Ellen Knick Vinson. The love he shared with his family and the countless lives he touched as a teacher are enduring parts of the legacy he leaves behind.
As his health declined, he stayed with and was cared for by his son Drake and daughter-in-law, Jamie, for several years until his passing at their home in Princeton, North Carolina.
Carl will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love for Tunstall High School, his passion for teaching and sports, and the unmistakable personality that earned him the nicknames his loved ones knew so well. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but the memories he created and the lives he influenced will continue to live on.
A Graveside Service to celebrate his life will be held in Danville Memorial Gardens in Danville, Virginia (510 Church Ave, Danville, VA 24541) at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is honored to serve the Shumate family.
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