LCDR, USN (Ret.) William “Bill” C. Schmidt, 85, of Kill Devil Hills, NC passed away Friday, September 30, 2022. Born as a first-generation German/American in Akron, OH on October 10, 1936, he was the son of the late John and Teresia Schmidt.
Bill enlisted in the Navy, at the age of 18, in 1955. He was selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) and graduated from Marquette University in 1963, with a BSEE later followed by a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate school in Monterey, CA. During the Vietnam War he served on the USS Midway, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Constellation aircraft carriers, as well as a tour of duty as Ship Repair Superintendent in Subic Bay, PI. His last duty being the Special Guidance Projects Manager for the Trident/Polaris Nuclear Submarine Missiles in Washington DC.
Upon retiring from the Navy he moved with his family to Kill Devil Hills, NC in 1977, where he worked at Davis Boat works in Wanchese, NC, becoming a boat-wright and a highly sought-after fine cabinetry woodworker. He also served as the Chairman of the Kill Devil Hills Planning Board from 1984 – 2005.
Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara M. Schmidt and three sons: William Schmidt with his wife Heidi of Wilmington, NC, Paul Schmidt with his wife Dana of Richmond, VA and Stephen Schmidt with his wife Charlotte of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Also surviving are five grandchildren – Kristin Schmidt, Erik Schmidt, Calvin Schmidt, Alexis Schmidt, and Benjamin Schmidt, plus numerous beloved close family and friends.
A private celebration of his life with friends and family be held at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Outer Banks Food Pantry. Gallop Funeral Services Inc. was entrusted with arrangements. Please share a comforting thought with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.