William F. Schmitz, 80, of Savannah, Georgia went to be with the Lord, surrounded by family, on August 28th, 2024.

William (Bill) was born on June 16, 1944 to Carl and Elizabeth(Betty) Schmitz in Cleveland, Ohio.  Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he attended West Tech High School where he met the love of his life Barbara Freeh.  Bill and Barbara married in 1963 and welcomed 2 daughters together. They were married for 61 years and were blessed with 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

While in Cleveland he began a successful career with Pepsi Cola, which moved him and his family to Savannah in 1977 as Sales Manager.  In 1992, Bill and Barbara moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he retired in 2006, after 41 years with the company. In 2012, they returned to Savannah to be closer to their growing family.

To know Bill was to love Bill.  He had a tough, big personality, but deep down was the most sensitive, tender soul.  He had a great love for his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He had a love for cars and sports. He also had a love of giving back and helping the community. He served and was a member of the Alee Shriners for many years. He was also a member of the Jacksonville Moose Lodge.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara and two daughters Lori (Gary) Ryan and Lisa (Patrick) Saxon; grandchildren Ashlee (Chase) Roble, Lauren Ward (Hunter), Michael Ryan, Ali (Jonathan) Tirey, Mattie Saxon (Christopher "Critter"), Lindsay (Joey) Harris, and Pat Saxon; brothers Carl (Sue) Schmitz Jr. and John (Rose) Schmitz and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, if you desire to, make a donation (in Bill's memory) to the American Diabetes Association or the American Kidney Fund.

The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home - West Chatham Chapel - Pooler, GA