Ronald Raymond Schoenecker

Ronald Raymond Schoenecker, a generous man with a big heart and a can-do spirit, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee, at the age of 78. After a long battle, he succumbed to congestive heart failure.

Born in Oakland, California, on February 25, 1947, to Raymond Joseph and Ada Mae Schoenecker, Ron had a deep and lifelong love for his hometown. He grew up in Oakland and was a proud graduate of Fremont High School class of 1964. He went on to attend Laney College in Oakland and California State University East Bay (then Hayward), and was immensely proud to be the first in his immediate family to graduate from college. It was there that he met Paula Marie. They married, and together they had two beloved children, Kathleen Claire and Andrew Joseph; Ron was a loving and devoted father.

Ron served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from November 1966 to June 1969. His dedicated service earned him numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

His career was rooted in a passion for education and community. Ron began as a preschool teacher, where he loved the creativity that working with children allowed him. He later transitioned to serve several school districts as a Purchasing Director, where he was respected for his ability to build strong relationships and his pride in purchasing quality supplies while staying within budget.

Ron’s talents and passions were boundless. A true jack-of-all-trades, he could find a solution to any home repair or car trouble. His skills also shone in the kitchen, as he loved all things culinary and was the keeper and brain trust of many family recipes. He also had a deep appreciation for nature as a member of the Sierra Club, was an avid gardener, and a lover of animals, having adopted many cats, dogs, and even a few guinea pigs over the course of his life. An avid sports fan and a star Little League pitcher in his youth, he remained a devoted Oakland Athletics fan his entire life.

In 2021, Ron moved to Knoxville with his son and family to remain close, beginning a new chapter. Though a California boy through and through, he fully embraced his new home, quickly adopting the Tennessee Volunteers, and was known to don the color orange on game days. He made his home at Morning Pointe of Hardin Valley, becoming a proud member of the "Founders Club" as one of the facility’s first residents. There, true to his nature, he forged a new extended family. The staff and residents of Morning Pointe became not just his caregivers and neighbors, but family and dear friends. They remember him as a good man, a truth teller, who brought joy to the lives of many.

His role as "Grandpa" was one that he cherished. He was his granddaughters' most enthusiastic cheerleader. He had immense pride for all of their academic and athletic achievements. He celebrated Avi's every success on the soccer field, and he took special pride in being Lexi’s #1 fan and the principal sponsor of her training and the showing of her pony, "Made in a Wish." That sponsorship was the perfect example of his character in action—finding pure joy in providing an opportunity for his granddaughter to chase a dream that might not have otherwise been possible.

He was a man who lived by the expression, "Never ask, never get," and always rooted for the underdog. His generosity was felt by all who knew him, from his routine contributions to charities to always being there to support his children and grandchildren. To continue this legacy of generosity, his family will be establishing a non-profit foundation in his honor. Inspired by the joy he found in supporting his granddaughter Lexi, a foundation will be established to provide scholarships to young equestrians in East Tennessee who are dedicated to equestrian sports training but lack the financial means to compete at shows.

In lieu of flowers, for those who are in a position to donate, the family would be honored by a contribution to this future cause. Donations can be made to the Ron Schoenecker Memorial Fund via GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/0133138d For those not in a position to donate, a simple act of kindness for someone in need is an equally perfect tribute to the generous man he was.

Ron is survived by his children, Kathleen Claire and her fiancé, Shaun, and Andrew Joseph and his wife, Lilya; his three beloved granddaughters, Aleksandra "Lexi" Jane, Aviana Claire, and Adeline Mae; and his brother-in-law, Robert Whitney, and nephew, Ken. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Bonnie.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Berry Funeral Home, located at 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920. The visitation will be held at 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial ceremony at 1:00 PM. Refreshments will be served at 1:45 PM. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Schoenecker family at www.berryfuneralhome.