George Stephen Shoots, age 74 of Salem passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. George was born on December 29, 1947 in Mattoon, the son of George Melvin and Wanda Althia (Newcomb) Shoots. He married Linda Stewart and they later divorced, he then married Linda Carole Severs on August 8, 1997 in Kentucky and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife Linda Severs-Shoots, he is survived by one son, George Aaron Shoots and wife Kendra; step-son, Eldon Ray Wilson; step-daughter, Melody Ruth Corbin; 11 grandchildren, George Kaleb Shoots, Jada Eva Paskavich, Makayla Paige Shoots, Mason Allison, Alexis Shoots, Peyton Shoots, Carter Stephen Shoots, Harper Shoots, Jordan Shoots, Makayla OLea, and Zachary Wilson; one great-grandson, George Malakai Shoots; a niece, Autumn Rachel Branon; great-nephew, Nathenial Dale Sparling; great-niece, Nurissa Althia Branon and special friend Logan Wood; and a great-great niece, Nyla Rachel Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Georgia Jane McFarland; one niece, Stephanie McNally; and ex-wife, Linda Tanner. George was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Salem. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His memberships included being a Lifetime Member of the DAV, Vietnam Veteran Lifetime Member, VFW Lifetime Member, American Legion, AMRA, and the Garden Daffy Dills in 2018. He retired from Ligma Manufacturing in Nashville after many years. Funeral Services for George Stephen Shoots will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salem with Pastor Rae DeLao officiating. Burial will be in the Janesville Cemetery in Janesville, IL, with Military Rites accorded at the grave. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 until 11:00 at the church. Memorials can be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Mission Fund or to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 28 in Mt. Vernon.