In the early morning of August 21, 2024, Donald “Don” William Schultz of Gloucester, Va., passed away peacefully at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was receiving skilled nursing care and was 87 years old.
Don was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Edward and Ethel Schultz in March 1937. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration/ Marketing degree in 1960 and began a 40+ year career in construction material sales and marketing that included regional sales management for several manufacturing firms, and 10 years operating his own manufacturer’s representative firm from Ottawa Lake, Mich. He spent 20 years with the Asheville, N.C.-based W.P. Hickman Co. as Marketing Manager and VP of Sales for their architectural sheet metal products. Don’s successful career was built, as he said, on empathy for others.
He and his surviving wife, Carol, had been married for over 63 years. In 1958, Don met Carol and a love story for the ages began. They were never separated. 2024 marked 66 years together. They were best fishing buddies and together they purchased and renovated four old houses and traveled together at every opportunity. Over the years, they lived in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and, most recently, Gloucester, to be closer to their sons and grandchildren.
Don was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard for eight years in the Ready Reserve and was an electrician’s mate 3rd class. His service included assignment to the Cutter Tupelo, ice breaker, and Aid to Navigation Lifeboat Station, Great Lakes. He tended the oldest continuously operated lighthouse at Marblehead, Ohio, and was honorably discharged in 1963. He believed in his country and the flag flew at his house 24 hours a day.
He had one sibling, his brother, Paul (deceased). Don is survived by his wife, Carol, and their two sons, Ed and Bob, affectionately nicknamed Peej and Catfish. Ed has been married to his wife Bain for over 32 years and Don and Carol have two grandsons through their marriage, William and Nathan. Bob is married to his wife Urvashi.
When asked what he wants to be remembered by, he said his dedication to his wife and family. His family agrees he accomplished this. He’s characterized by his twinkling eyes and loving nature. In his final days with his family at his bedside and unable to speak he would mouth out, “I love you” to his family. He faced his impending death without fear because of his unwavering Christian faith. Don was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ his entire life. He was baptized and confirmed at Memorial Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 30 at Bethany United Methodist Church cemetery, located at 1860 Hayes Road, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062.
In lieu of flowers, please make online gift donations in memory of Donald Schultz to the Alzheimer’s Association, which he donated to, https://act.alz.org/donate.
Funeral services are arranged by Andrews Funeral Home, 7192 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061, 804-693-2366.