George Clinton Shumate Jr.

George "Mickey" Clinton Shumate Jr., 86, of Powell, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 after an illness and worsening heart disease.

Mickey was born on March 16, 1937 to Clinton and Virgie Shumate in McAlpin, WVA . He was the oldest of 5 children and the only boy. He and his sisters, Linda, Brenda, Pam, and Renee had a wonderful childhood growing up in WV, or as he called it "West-by-God-Virginia." Mickey was the co-captain and star of his high school football team, the Sophia Bluehawks. After Mickey graduated from Sophia High School in 1955, he went on to study at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Ill.

During this time, Mickey married his high school sweetheart, Ellen Kidd, and had two sons, Dewayne D. Shumate, and Robert D. Shumate. After graduating from electrical school he brought his family to Baltimore, MD to begin working for Bethlehem Steele. His first marriage ended in amicable divorce and they began to raise Dewayne and Bob in Baltimore.

Mickey met the love of his life, Ginna Hardy, in 1969 on a blind-date. They married in 1970 and increased their family by 2 with Ginna's sons from a previous marriage, Lonnie J. Wall, and Michael A. Wall. Mickey raised Lonnie and Michael as his own sons. In 1972, Mickey and Ginna had twins, James A. Shumate, and Victoria A. Shumate. Their family was complete with 5 boys and a girl! Mickey started his company, Clinton Electric and he and Ginna raised a large family, plus many farm animals and pets.

Mickey and Ginna bought a barn in northern Baltimore County, Maryland and had many adventures as they converted the barn into a wonderful home. Always finding new ways to entertain himself and his children, Mickey built tree houses, zip-lines, stilts, sleds, and even turned the property into a 9 hole golf course. Mickey and Ginna both became involved in community theater, and Mickey had many starring roles in local productions. Two of his favorite roles were Papa Bonaparte in "Golden Boy" at Spotlighters Theater in Baltimore, and Mr. Mushnick in "Little Shop of Horrors."

In the late 90's, Mickey retired and his son Michael Wall took over Clinton Electric, which is a very successful company today. In their retirement, Mickey and Ginna moved to Shrewsbury, Pa in 2000, and loved having visits from their many grandchildren. They also traveled throughout the US and Europe.

In 2018, Mickey lost his wife of 48 years, Ginna, and in 2021 he moved in with his daughter Vicki and her husband Rob in Powell, Oh. They had some wonderful times and he was very happy to spend time with children, grand-children, and his faithful companion, Ozzy the poodle. In his last 2 years he had wonderful trips to St. Thomas, USVI for his niece's wedding, and visits to Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida to visit his sisters. Just a month ago, Mickey traveled to Maryland to visit his son Michael and Daughter-in-law, Rose.

Mickey was predeceased by his wife Ginna Shumate, his son Dewayne Shumate, his son Robert Shumate, and his son James Shumate. He was also predeceased by his sister Linda Rippel, brother-in-law Ross Rippel, brother-in-law Charlie Mancuso, brother-in-law David Greene, brother-in-law John Hardy, and brother-in-law Robert Hardy. He is survived by his sons Lonnie Wall (Susan) and Michael Wall (Rose) and his daughter Vicki Vendramin (Robert). He is also survived by his sisters Brenda K. Greene, Pamela Mancuso, and Renee Edwards (Thomas), and his sister-in-law Janet Hardy.

Mickey had 11 grandchildren: Doug Wall, Beau, Megan Vigorita (Michael), Jennifer Wall, Andrew Wall, Juli Shumate Jimenez (Kevin), Katelyn Shumate, Cole Shumate, Asher Vendramin, Caleb Vendramin and Sam Vendramin, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, Ohio on Sunday, October 1st at 2pm, there will be visitation time starting at 1pm.

Mickey's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.