The Man, The Myth, The Grandpa
Retired Sheriff David Shoar reflects on service, slowing down, and what matters most.
Four years into retirement, David Shoar has found what most only hope for: peace, purpose, and a life focused on what matters most. Whether he’s chasing grandchildren or watching the tide roll in, he’s still serving in his own way—quietly, fully, and with a whole lot of gratitude.
“Most of my days now revolve around faith, family, and soaking in the slower rhythm of Island living,” said Shoar, who served in law enforcement for 40-years. “I stay involved with a few close community groups and friends, and I finally have time for the things I used to put off—like reading, writing, and just being present. I’m truly blessed to have my entire family, including our extended crew, right in the center of it all.”
Shoar said his transition from work to retirement wasn’t easy. “After decades of structure and high-stakes responsibility, slowing down felt foreign, but with the support of my family and some real spiritual growth, I’ve settled into this new chapter with gratitude,” he said. “Funny enough, I used to give speeches on ‘life balance’ all the time, but I don’t think I really understood how important it was, until I retired.”
Shoar and his wife, Laura, recently completed their long-time dream and finished building their quintessential St. Augustine Beach home. “Laura’s lived on Anastasia Island since 1972, and I’ve called it home since 1985—so yes, we’re true Island dwellers,” said Shoar. Our dress code reflects it: shorts, light shirts, and Kino’s (or no shoes at all).”
The true heartbeat of the couple’s days now belongs to their grandkids, 5-½ year old Huntly and 2-½ year old Hayes.
Shoar said his transition from work to retirement wasn’t easy. “After decades of structure and high-stakes responsibility, slowing down felt foreign, but with the support of my family and some real spiritual growth, I’ve settled into this new chapter with gratitude,” he said. “Funny enough, I used to give speeches on ‘life balance’ all the time, but I don’t think I really understood how important it was, until I retired.”
Shoar and his wife, Laura, recently completed their long-time dream and finished building their quintessential St. Augustine Beach home. “Laura’s lived on Anastasia Island since 1972, and I’ve called it home since 1985—so yes, we’re true Island dwellers,” said Shoar. Our dress code reflects it: shorts, light shirts, and Kino’s (or no shoes at all).”
The true heartbeat of the couple’s days now belongs to their grandkids, 5-½ year old Huntly and 2-½ year old Hayes.
“Having them in our daily lives has been nothing short of transformative,” said Shoar. “They’ve brought a whole new meaning to gratitude. And I proudly go by “Poppy” now—maybe my favorite role yet.”
Over the years, Shoar held plenty of titles, but jokes that every time he came home, Laura made sure he was promptly returned to his rank Private First Class. “Thank God I married one of the world’s best ego-deflaters,” he laughs.
The couple spent all of their married years on the Island.
Over the years, Shoar held plenty of titles, but jokes that every time he came home, Laura made sure he was promptly returned to his rank Private First Class. “Thank God I married one of the world’s best ego-deflaters,” he laughs.
The couple spent all of their married years on the Island.
“Laura’s family even ran a beloved restaurant on Anastasia Boulevard for many years,” said Shoar. “This place is part of our story. When we cross the bridge back onto the Island, everything just feels a little lighter, a little less complicated. That’s the magic of it. And for us, it’s home.”