Morimitsu "Mori" Shimabukuro

Morimitsu "Mori" Shimabukuro, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on July 21, 1946, in Okinawa, Japan, Mori was the son of the late Kimiko and Seige Shimabukuro, and one of five spirited children. His life was a testament to the power of love, family, and dedication.

Mori's journey led him from Japan to Canada at the age of 16, where his family started a restaurant, igniting his lifelong passion for cooking. It was in America during the 1960s that Mori's heart found its true match in Linda Marie Schmidt. They married and shared a remarkable 58 years together, building a legacy through their three loving sons, James Shimabukuro (Hope), Dirk Shimabukuro (Kristal), and Scott Shimabukuro (Heather). His role as a father was only surpassed by his joy in being "Papa" to his eight grandchildren, Katie Lewis (Ethan), Gillian Shimabukuro, Colby Shimabukuro (Kinley), Caden Shimabukuro, Devin Shimabukuro, Wyatt Shimabukuro, Anabelle Shimabukuro, and Kai Shimabukuro, and his three great-grandchildren.

Professionally, Mori was a respected Dental Technician. For over 30 years, he honed his craft and built a reputation for excellence at his own business, Mori's Dental Studio, in Dothan, Alabama. His precision and care in his work were paralleled only by his commitment to his community. He was a proud member of the Dothan Masonic Lodge and Alcazar Shriners club for over a quarter of a century.

Mori's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. His early experiences in Canada may have sparked his culinary curiosity, but it was his love for his family that turned cooking into an expression of affection. Always adventurous in the kitchen, he delighted in creating new "concoctions" for his grandchildren to savor. His passion extended to the soccer field, where he coached his sons and mentored his grandchildren, rarely missing a game no matter the distance.

Settling in Dothan, Alabama, in 1972, Mori and Linda created a home that was often filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of delicious meals. His commitment to youth extended beyond his family as he dedicated eight years to teaching chess at Highlands Elementary School's chess club, sharing his strategic mind and nurturing potential in each child.

Mori's love for the water was as deep as the ocean itself. A member of the aqua activity class at Westgate Recreation Center, he found joy and serenity in the water. The beach was his sanctuary, a place where he felt most connected to his island roots, and where he spent countless hours on his back porch, simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Known for his wisdom and passion, Mori was not just a family man but also a seeker of knowledge. He filled hundreds of notebooks with numbers, studying the lottery with a discipline that brought him close to winning on several occasions. This analytical side of him was balanced by his adventurous spirit and his eagerness to impart wisdom and learn new things alongside his grandchildren.

Mori's siblings, Eiko Mah (Allan), Jimi Shima, Michi Shima, and Fugi Shima, will fondly remember his loving nature and the warmth he brought to their lives. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy of love and unwavering support will continue to inspire and guide his family.

Mori was a beacon of love and wisdom, a passionate soul who lived a full and meaningful life. As we remember him, we celebrate the joy he brought into our lives and the countless ways he made our world a better place. Mori Shimabukuro will be deeply missed, but the memories of his loving, wise, and passionate spirit will be cherished forever.

Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com