Ira Roy Schmidt Jr

Ira Roy Schmidt, Jr. died December 11, 2018, in his sleep in St. Augustine, Florida. Ira and Margie lived in Saint Augustine for many years. He was born at home on September 20, 1926, in High Springs, Florida, during the Great Hurricane of 1926, to Ira Roy Schmidt and Anna Sybil Schmidt. He was three years old at the height of the Great Depression. His dad worked for the railroad and his mother was a nurse. Jobs were scarce and money was even scarcer. He attended approximately fifteen schools as they moved for work. His high school years, graduating at Florence High School in 1945- were stellar. He was a friend to all and a fierce athlete. He excelled at football, boxing, basketball, and baseball. Ira attended the University of South Carolina and was a linebacker for the Gamecocks. He had the privilege of playing in the first Gator Bowl in 1946. Additionally, he was in the US Army Corps of Engineers. Ira met Margie Lanier Jones while working at Ocean Drive, South Carolina. Margie worked at the theater at night and took care of the bingo finance at the Pavilion. Ira was an entrepreneur with a snow cone, cotton candy, candy apples and popcorn stand by day as well as managing a bowling alley. Ira married Marjorie Lanier Jones at Selwyn Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina and was married for sixty-six years. They made their home in Charlotte. Ira was quite an entrepreneur starting several different and varied companies over the years. He spent the majority of his career as the Co- owner and Secretary Treasurer of the company Heede Southeast, Inc., a successful climbing crane venture. With his expertise at building something from nothing- he constructed a home from leftover construction materials on Lake Wylie. This lake house would serve as a destination for memorable family time. Surviving him are his wife Marjorie, of St. Augustine; step son Jim Staton (Gayle) of Jacksonville, FL: and two daughters Debra Dougherty of Plantation, FL and Tina Dietrich (Chris) of Charlotte, NC. Surviving grandchildren Sean Dougherty (Charisma), Sarah Fabrizi (Ezio), Joey Dougherty, Margie Dougherty, Ira Dougherty, Lizzy Simons (KC), Timmy Staton, Jennifer Staton and Cameron Dietrich. Surviving great grand children Jamie Gallagher, Chase Dougherty, Sofia, Gianna and Ezio Fabrizi and Luke and Bella Dougherty, and Orlando Simons. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018 at Anchor of Faith Church. Ira would have loved to quote Ruth Graham: “End of construction. Thank you for your patience” Ira cared deeply about other people. In continuing his legacy the family asks that: Donations be made to Anchor Faith Church (for the orphanage) or to Hospice

Ira Roy Schmidt Jr

September 20, 1926 - December 12, 2018