GLOUCESTER, January 15 – Christopher Todd Shumaker, 40, went to be with the Lord Friday, January 11, 2013 in Gloucester. He was born October 26, 1972 in Richmond.

Mr. Shumaker was a graduate of Longwood University, where he met his wife, Laura. Both spent 11 months living in Paris, where they were married in the presence of family and friends on May 22, 1999. They shared a love of the water and travelling, and often found time to combine these two passions-constantly creating new memories and experiencing life to the fullest.

He was a hard worker and had a broad spectrum of talents. He possessed a degree in business, was fluent in French, a brother of the Masonic Order, an avid sailor, and a craftsman with his hands. A real people-person, he excelled at interacting with people of all levels, cultures, and backgrounds. He found joy in the company of family, friends, and the opportunity to meet new people. He was a loving husband, a loyal friend, beloved family member, and was always there for others.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, and his parents, Janice and Kenneth Harris and Garnett and Sandra Shumaker.

Family and friends may be received at Bennett Funeral Home in Mechanicsville from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 16.

A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 17. A graveside ceremony will take place at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Farmville at 1 p.m. that same day.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation honoring Lucy Harris, Mr. Shumaker's grandmother.

Bennett Funeral Home, Mechanicsville, is in charge of arrangements.