Gerald Schnaedelbach

Gerald “Jerry” Schnaedelbach, age 87, of the Liberty Community in White Plains, Georgia, died Wednesday, July 16, 2014.  Mr. Schnaedelbach was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 20, 1927 to the late Armin Schnaedelbach and Jessamyn Ferguson Schnaedelbach.  He graduated from Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Missouri and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and completed courses at submarine school, submarine radar school, and fleet sonar school with subsequent duty at sea upon the USS Capitaine (SS 336) followed by duty on the USS Trumpetfish (SS 424). He spent the rest of his working career as a Civil Service Engineer, Private Pilot, FAA Examiner, Pilot and Ground School Instructor, Seaplane and Biplane Pilot, Ski Instructor, and Commercial Captain on his own fishing boat.  He moved to Lake Oconee in Greene County 20 years ago from Key West, Florida after retiring from Air Florida as a pilot.  Jerry was always involved in civic and community affairs; after retiring to Lake Oconee, he was the Airport Authority Manager and Fire Chief of Liberty Volunteer Fire Department.  He was a dog lover and his many interests included water skiing, fishing, hunting, flying, and boating.  In 2004 he received the Greene County Citizen of the Year Award from the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his children, Peter Schnaedelbach of Houston, David Cook of Tampa, Susan Cabanas of Key  West, and Sarah Ryland of Orlando.  Gerald is also survived by a sister, Ann Funk of Missouri.  He has thirteen grandchildren, Michael Schnaedelbach, Jr., Michelle Bravo, Peter Schnaedelbach, Jr. Kathryn Ashleigh Gomez, Marley Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Kelly Gander, Fred Raymond Cabanas, Jr., Rachael Ryland, Paige Ryland, Jill Ryland, Matt Cook and Phil Cook.  He also has five great grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Zack.  He was preceded in death by a son and daughter, Michael Schnaedelbach and Kathryn Johnson, and wife Wendy Schnaedelbach.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at McCommons Chapel.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, 706-453-2626, is in charge of arrangements.  Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online register.

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