Foy J. Shaw, Jr.

September 19, 1936 - March 4, 2017

09/19/1936 - 03/04/2017

Past Services

Service
Ocracoke United Methodist Church
71 School Rd
Ocracoke, NC 27960
(252) 928-6219 | Directions

Foy J. Shaw, Jr. of Ocracoke, North Carolina, entered Eternal Life on March 4, 2017 at 80 years of age.  Foy was born on September 19, 1936 to Foy J. Shaw, Sr. and Nola T. Thompson Shaw of Durham, North Carolina.  After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Foy went on the receive a Master’s Degree in Sociology from Radford University.
Foy devoted many years of his teaching career to the pupils of Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, where he was fortunate enough to meet and then share a significant part of his life with his dear friend and partner, Larry P. Williams.
In 1979, Foy and Larry left their teaching positions in Virginia Beach to begin a new phase of their lives in Ocracoke where they purchased and operated The Island Inn.  Foy truly developed a great sense of home and love for the island and enjoyed many pursuits, especially the continuation of his acting efforts in Ocracoke.  His love of and for the theater, cultivated from his time acting at the Little Theatre in Norfolk, Virginia, often took Foy and Larry to New York City to support their multitude of thespian friends by attending their wonderful plays.
Left to cherish his bright memory are his nephew, Charlie Reaves, his niece, Melanie Reaves, and the many friends he loved as dearly as if they were his family, especially many family members of Larry.  Foy was preceded in death by his parents, Foy J. Shaw, Sr. and Nola T. Thompson Shaw, his beloved partner, Larry P. Williams, and his sister, Sandra Shaw Reaves.
A memorial service for Foy will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 1:00PM at Ocracoke United Methodist Church (71 School Road, Ocracoke, NC).  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Foy’s name may be made to Ocracoke United Methodist Chursh.
Inurnment at the Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, North Carolina will occur at a later date.
The Altmeyer Funeral Home-Chesapeake Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.altmeyerfh.com.
 

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Patricia Waters
6 years ago

So sorry to hear of Foy’s death. He will truly be missed. He would call about his insurance and we all enjoyed assisting him. Rest in peace. Your friends at Nationwide Insurance in Plymouth, NC.

Tanya Young
7 years ago

Foy leaves us with many lessons of saying “yes” to life and brought a new level of energy and passion to Ocracoke Island and nearby communities- in North Carolina and Virginia. Thank you, Foy, for your time here with us and for the many life’s you enriched.

Dawn O'Keefe
7 years ago

Uncle Foy was an absolute delight to spend time with! He always had a funny story, an interesting trip planned or a great dog story. He genuinely cared about people and was always so enjoyable to be around at family events. I am sad to see him leave this earth but he lived a life he loved and he can now be in peace with Larry, Sandra and many of his beloved dogs. May he rest in Peace. XOXO

Gael Hawkins
7 years ago

I met Foy and Larry in 1965 in Va Beach where my then husband was teaching chemistry just for that year at Princess Anne HS. Since my husband was also a musician, he was welcomed into the Princess Anne HS community of actors and music makers. I was barely 20 and still in school. Foy, Larry, Dot and Hugh Jones and so many others also welcomed me. It was a good year. Fast forward to 1980. I had “discovered” Ocracoke in 1972. Came every chance I got and one night, I went to see a Blackbeard play. And there were Foy and Larry. Acting, directing-I can’t remember but so thrilled to see them again. Since then, they have introduced my family and me to so many wonderful Ocracoke traditions and history. And to their love of the New York theater. Through the generosity of Larry and after his death continuing with Foy, my children and grandchildren have been able to experience plays like Wicked, Light in the Piazza, Lion King, The King and I and to meet the actors and get first hand glimpses behind the scenes. How very fortunate I have been to know such a lovely, kind, smart and very funny gentleman. I am mourning his passing as are several of my grandkids whose lives he greatly enriched. Thank you, dear Foy. You will always be in my heart. Know that Maggie was there to sloppier on you.

Larry Kemp
7 years ago

Uncle Foy was such a kind and generous man, he always went out of his way to make me feel like a part of his family, he will be dearly missed.

Marvin Pipkin
7 years ago

Foy and Larry were my friends for many years and my neighbors for several. They let me know when the house next door to them in Trinity Park was for sale in 1989 and I have been here since. Mike and I have many wonderful memories of time with Foy and Larry here in Durham as well as in Norfolk and Ocracoke. We have lost a kind and loving man who is now surrounded by family dogs and is having a heavenly time with Larry, Sandra, Bobby W. and a host of other family and friends. We love you Foy!

Susan Dodd
7 years ago

A dear and lovely man, a generous friend, a delightful companion, and a true gentleman…I feel so blessed to have known you, Foy. I will miss you.

Grizelle
7 years ago

Foy will be missed by so many. I will forever have great memories with Foy! So honored to call him my friend. I’m sure he and Larry are happily together again…

Paula Johnson
7 years ago

Foy will be missed. He loved to entertain and was always the perfect host. Maggie, Madge, Milo, and all the other pugs will be welcoming him with wagging tails.