Dr. William "Bill" Alan Schobel, Sr.

Dr. William "Bill" Alan Schobel, Sr., 87, of Macon, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023.   The family will greet friends Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Hart’s Mortuary, Jones County Chapel.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Born on March 9, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Bill was known for his adventurous spirit, his kindness, and his loving nature. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bill leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty Kennedy Schobel, his sons, Gary B. Schobel (Terry) of Seminole, Florida, William "Bill" A. Schobel, Jr. (Tamara) of Jacksonville, Florida, Jay R. Schobel, and Wes A. Schobel, both of Durham, North Carolina. His grandchildren, Jennifer Ricottilli (Tony), Whitney Marostica (Josh), William “Will” R. Schobel, Nicole Grollman, Andrew Schobel, and Austin Bain, and great-grandchildren Michael and Sophia Ricottilli, Wilder and Journey Marostica, and Abigail and Russell Schobel, will remember their grandfather with fondness and admiration. Preceding him in death were his parents, Francis and Mildred Goette Schobel, and his daughter, Erin April Schobel Holliday. Bill attended Admiral Farragut Academy as a teenager, where he developed a lifelong love of seamanship, military history, and weaponry. An excellent marksman, he competed in skeet shooting tournaments with enthusiasm and skill. After graduating from the University of Florida, he attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, earning his doctorate in 1960. Following in his father's footsteps, Bill began his career as an optometrist at his family's practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, taking over after his father's passing in 1965. His dedication to his work and patients was evident in his 63-year career, only retiring in April 2023 due to illness. An avid boater, Bill also served as Lt. Commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary from 1969 to 1981, using his skills to rescue stranded boaters. In 1983, Bill moved his practice to LaGrange, Georgia, and later to Macon in 1996. Outside of his work, Bill had a diverse array of interests. He raised and raced Quarter Horses and volunteered with the Pinellas County Florida Sheriff's Mounted Posse, assisting in the capture of escaped prisoners. In 1984, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by obtaining his pilot's license. His love for adventure and his dedication were evident in every endeavor he undertook. Bill was a man of many interests and passions, but his greatest love was for his family and friends. His generosity and devotion were evident in everything he did, from his work as an optometrist to his service in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As per his wishes, Bill will be cremated and his ashes scattered over his favorite fishing spot in the Gulf of Mexico. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him, a testament to a life lived fully and with great love. He was truly irreplaceable. Dr. William "Bill" Alan Schobel, Sr. will be remembered as an adventurous, loving, and kind man who lived his life to the fullest. His spirit, passion, and dedication will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html