Gerald William Schneider

Gerry Schneider, like a number of other IBM retirees, discovered Big Canoe in 1992 when he and his wife Barbara bought a lot, then a vacation house; 12 years ago they built their forever home for their golden years together. However, a serious fall following a Marine Corps League breakfast four years ago caused his remaining years to be mostly spent in surgeries, physical therapy and rehab facilities as he tried to regain his robust and active life. He was 76 years old.

Monday, July 6, Schneider quietly passed away with his wife and daughter, Carole Arnold, at his bedside. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Church on Steve Tate Highway. A private burial service will be held at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell.

A “Jersey boy” born in Jersey City and raised in Secaucus, Schneider graduated with his college sweetheart Barbara Henne from Rutgers University. He entered Marine Officer Candidate School in September 1960 and received his commission in December the same year.

In December of 1963 Schneider joined IBM, working for the company until 1993 when he retired to earn an MBA from Georgia State University. After moving to Big Canoe he became active in the training aspect of Dawson County’s CERT organization.

He was also an active member in Trinity Church and the God Seekers men’s prayer group there.

Schneider never saw a dog he didn’t love and many a dog found a life of spoiled happiness and care in his homes as IBM moved his family about the country. He extended his care of dogs to be a volunteer for Big Canoe Animal Rescue once the Schneiders moved to Big Canoe.

He is predeceased by his parents, William and Mildred Kramer Schneider and son, William Scott Schneider. Survivors are his wife of 54 years, Barbara Henne Schneider, daughters Sandra Chalmeta (Pablo), Blacksburg, Va.; Carole Arnold, (Steve), Canton, Ga.; son Maj. Jeffrey Schneider (Katharine), U.S. Army, Middletown RI; grandchildren Johanna and Christopher Arnold, Benjamin Chalmeta and Eastlyn and Porter Schneider.

Those who wish, may make a memorial contribution in Schneider’s memory to the Big Canoe Volunteer Fire Dept. or a favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to the family at Box 11337, Big Canoe, GA 30143.