Mike Schild

Mike Schild, II, age 89. of Railroad Street in Dayton, sadly passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2008. A devoted family man and proud World War II veteran, Mike was born on November 2, 1918, in Dayton, TN. He bravely served his country in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 and fought overseas in some of the biggest battles throughout the war. Mike recorded his experiences during World War II, which were made into a booklet for his family. After attending Rhea Central High School and Edmunson Business College, Mike and his father owned and operated M.Schild & Co., a cannery and coal, ice and ice cream manufacturer. He later worked for Suburban Manufacturing Co. for 25 years as a bookkeeper and accountant. In addition to spending time with his beloved wife of 63 years and his children and grandchildren, Mike loved to read his newspapers and keep up with current events. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the UT Vols, and played basketball himself in high school. Mike’s civil service continued throughout his life, as he was always ready to help others and lead by example. He served almost 50 years on the Dayton Housing Authority Board and attended First Methodist Church, where he served as usher and treasurer for years. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Lyle Schild, his parents John Boyd Schild and Florence Edna Jewell Schild, his sister Dorothy Rose Cheeseman, and his son-in-law James E. “Buzz” Elkins. All those he left behind will sorely miss his love, honor, and great sense of humor. Mike is survived by his daughter Martha Sue Schild Elkins of Clinton, TN, son and daughter-in-law Mike Schild III and Gail Taylor Schild of Chattanooga, TN and grandchildren Laura Elkins of Nashville, TN and Chris Schild and Nicholas Schild of Chattanooga, TN. Special thanks goes to the dedicated caretakers who became a big part of his life and blessed his family by their presence: Linda Woody, Sheila McCoy, Anna Garren, Janice Ray, Marsha Atha, Tricia Smith and Mary Hickman. Funeral services for Mr. Schild will be held in the funeral home chapel Monday evening at 7:00pm with Chaplain Pat Davis officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be held Tuesday morning at 11:00am in Rhea Memory Gardens concluding with a white dove release. The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Monday evening from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Please share your memories with Mike’s family at his on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com Memorials may be made in Mike’s name to the Tennessee Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (TAHRA) Scholarship Fund for public housing residents at P.O. Box 846, Nashville, TN 37202

Mike Schild

November 2, 1918 - March 22, 2008