Richard Carl Schumann

Richard Carl Schumann (Dick) went to be with His Lord and Savior Friday, Dec. 4, after a year-long battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife, Bette, son Scott Schumann and wife Tamie, daughter Kim Gregory and husband Wade, daughter Terri Ruiz-Bueno, daughter Bonnie Leair and husband Terry, and daughter Becky Gould and husband David, fourteen grandchildren, two great-grand-children, and brother Dale Schumann and wife Andrea of Ohio. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1935 to Carl and Hilda Schumann. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education (clarinet being his primary instrument), from Baldwin-Wallace College, and his master’s degree in music supervision from Kent State University. He went on to teach in the Ohio public school system. When his children were involved in any event, Dick was right there to support their efforts. He was a Little League coach for his son’s team, participated in Cub Scout events, encouraged music lessons, and had Bible study with his family around the dinner table every evening. In 1980 the Lord called Dick into full time mission work, which took he and his family to North Carolina and Texas, beginning churches and Christian schools in those states. In 1990 he and his family settled in Georgia, where he has faithfully served as high school history teacher and band director for Heritage Christian School in Sharpsburg until his illness made it necessary for him to retire in April, 2009. He has been a source of inspiration to the many students he taught over the years. A number of his students chose their career paths, both in music and history, based on his influence. When he retired, he received numerous letters from students, past and present, attesting to their love and respect for him. He was also an elder of SouthPointe Church in Sharpsburg. One of the ministres he enjoyed for the church was leading home Bible studies. He was an avid student of the Word of God, and loved to pass that passion on to others. His life was all about serving God. In his later years, he could be found listening to jazz, doing crossword puzzles, and playing on his computer. He loved a good political debate. Influencing his grandchildren in the ways of God was of utmost importance to him. One of his grandsons said, “My Pa is the wisest man I know.” A memorial service to celebrate his life and homegoing will be held at SouthPointe Church, 3613 E. Highway 34. Sharpsburg, Ga. at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 5:00 p.m. before the service.

Richard Carl Schumann

January 5, 1935 - December 4, 2009