John Roger Shore Jr., passed away peacefully at his residence on Aug. 30, 2026. Born Oct. 1, 1941, in Troy, Roger lived a life devoted to family, faith, education and athletics.
Roger attended Troy Elementary School and Union City High School, where he excelled in basketball, earning All-State, All-Tournament, Most Valuable Athlete and Hall of Fame honors. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee at Martin, earning a B.S., followed by an M.S. from Memphis State University and an Ed.D. from Northwestern State University. At UTM, he was captain of the men’s basketball team, an All-Conference and All-Tournament selection, and was later inducted into the UTM Basketball Hall of Fame.
Roger was an educator at heart. He began teaching and coaching in Halls, Memphis and Natchitoches, La., before beginning a more than 40-year career at Dyersburg State Community College as a professor and coach. He taught countless students both in the classroom and throughout the community. He gave swim and tennis lessons, but also taught practical skills such as pouring concrete, building a barn and cutting cattle. Roger had a gift for investing in people — believing in them, encouraging them and helping them become more than they thought they could be. Those who joined him on his famous “dog walks” often received a little wisdom about life along the way.
His love of athletics continued through 35 years as a TSSAA official, including three state tournaments, and 23 years officiating in the VSAC and TranSouth Conference. He also served as a TSSAA supervisor and assigner for the Northwest Tennessee Basketball Association and as President of the Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association.
Faith was at the heart of Roger’s life. As an elder at Tucker Street Church, he served many years as church treasurer and quietly took on whatever needed to be done — mowing the yard, roofing the church, landscaping and countless other tasks. He believed faith was best shared through how one lived, and his actions spoke louder than words. He also had a heart for missions and loved participating in outreach.
Of all Roger’s accomplishments, the greatest was his marriage to the love of his life, Emily Latham Shore. Married Aug. 25, 1963, Roger and Emily celebrated 63 years together. Inseparable throughout their life, they shared a love built on faith, friendship, devotion and unwavering commitment. Together, they created a beautiful legacy of love.
Roger is survived by his wife, Emily; children, Tas and husband, James Smith, and Sissy and husband, Brian Entrekin; grandchildren, Mary Emily, Isabelle, EmilyAnn (Will), Sam and Abby; brother, Bill (Emily) Shore; and sister, Ina Carol (Robert) Orsborne. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Shore; and brother, Bobby Shore.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Troy, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
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