Douglas L. Schmitt

Douglas L. Schmitt died on January 4, 2024, from complications of a long, valiant battle against Parkinson’s disease. Doug was born on July 2, 1939, in Lansing, MI to Francis and Naomi Schmitt and was the eldest of four sons.

Doug enjoyed sports and mischief in high school before joining the Air Force in 1957, serving primarily at Harlingen Air Force base in Texas.

Doug’s professional career started as a metallurgical engineer. He quickly discovered his true calling was real estate. He started Rose Hill Realty and took the market by storm. Doug and his family lived in many states including Texas, Wisconsin, Colorado, Georgia and South Carolina.

When Doug had done everything there was to do in real estate, he decided to teach others through Doug Schmitt Seminars. He taught throughout the US and earned the coveted DREI (Distinguished Real Estate Instructor) and the SC Educator of the Year award in 2003.

Doug was an avid sailor enjoying his Herschoff Eagle sailboat for many years. He was happy in or on the water. He was also a skilled pilot having piloted many types of aircraft. He taught many people to fly as a certified flight instructor.

Music was a theme throughout his life. As a teen, he and his brother were part of the “Blue Echoes” playing many venues in the Mid-West. Blues, Jazz, Motown, Rock and Roll – he loved it all.

In later years, cruise ships were his favorite vacation having been on more than 20 all over the world. The best part of the day was cocktails in the Diamond Lounge watching the ocean.

Golf was another pastime he loved. He remembered every hole he ever played.

Doug loved his home and spent many hours gardening and planting. He remained at home until his passing. He lived a truly fulfilled life, even while struggling with Parkinson’s.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Becky and brothers Tom (Bobbie), Bill (Beverly), his sons Scott (Kathleen), Steve and daughter Susan (Ken). He had 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Tony (Mary).

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at michaeljfox.org