Byron Paul Schaffer

Byron was preceded in death by his father, James Schaffer. He is survived by his wife, Rachel (Riley) Schaffer; daughter, Autumn Schaffer; mother, Dolores McDowell-Schaffer; sisters, Katherine (Matthew) Schaffer-Quirand and Sarah (Joseph) Schaffer-Teague and brother, Jaysen Schaffer; niece, Isabella Teague.

He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1988 to Dolores and James Schaffer. Shortly after his birth, he was on a plane to Izmir, Turkey, where his parents were posted teaching children of military personnel; his life of travel began.

In 1990, Byron was blessed with a baby sister, Katherine. Shortly after her birth, his parents received new orders from the military and moved to Nuremberg, Germany, beginning a new adventure. Living in Germany was significantly different from Turkey and brought many new experiences for Byron, like seeing snow for the first time and attending kindergarten.

Another surprise came in 1995 when Byron was blessed with another baby sister, Sarah. Shortly thereafter, the family received new orders from the military and moved to Yakota, Japan where he attended second through sixth grade. He experienced the wonders of Asia and an understanding of a new culture.

In 2000, Byron’s parents received orders and the family moved to Vilseck/Grafenwoehr, Germany where he completed secondary school. He excelled in art and writing and was salutatorian of his graduating class in 2006 at Vilseck High School. Apart from schooling, he played tennis and soccer, participated in theater and drama, and played the trumpet in band.

Due to his well-traveled upbringing, Byron rarely met a person who did not soon become a friend. He could (and would) strike up a conversation with anyone. This ability helped Byron live his life to the fullest in the time he was here.

Byron went on to obtain his Bachelor's degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Byron ended up in a field that was his passion: working in the fitness industry at Arsenal Strength. Byron found his career rewarding, and enjoyed the opportunity his job provided him to pursue his passion of fitness.

It was at UTK that he met the love of his life, Rachel. He often reminisced that it was love at first sight, and they married in June 2014. Of the all too brief 3417 days they were married, their love only grew. Byron’s daughter, Autumn Rose, was born in October 2022. If Byron loved one thing as much as his wife, it was his daughter. In the year Byron got to spend with his daughter, reading bedtime stories to Autumn became one of his favorite nightly rituals. He loved being a “girl dad”. Byron had a soft spot for dogs, rescuing multiple dogs in his life. His family’s dog, Bogey, will keep watch over Rachel and Autumn.

Visitation is at Berry Highland West in Knoxville on Sherrill Boulevard between 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 12th. The funeral service will take place at Washington Presbyterian Church on Washington Pike at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 13th. Byron will be laid to rest at Edgewood Cemetery on Gallaher View Road at 12:00 PM on Monday, November 13th. All are welcome who wish to say farewell. Thank you all for your kind words.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Autumn Schaffer’s 529 College Savings Account: https://www.ugift529.com/gifttpl/ugift/create/viewCollectGifterDetail.cs?ugiftcode=V4R-77B