William John Von Schipmann II

William John Von Schipmann II, age 88, of Corryton, Tennessee departed this world for his heavenly home on July 12, 2026. Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, “Von” (as he was known to family and friends) was born December 23, 1937.

After graduating high school, Von enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served several assignments domestically and abroad, with the last air base of his military career being in Columbus, Mississippi, where he met the love of his life, Cornelia (Powell) Von Schipmann and married in 1962. After their first child, Bill, was born, they moved to Corryton in 1964 to begin their new life together. They knew only one other person (an Air Force friend) in the Knoxville area, but they built a life together in East Tennessee. He began working for Unisys (Burroughs) Corporation during the same year and continued his professional career with them until retirement. In 1992, he became the first mayor of the newly incorporated City of Plainview (Tennessee) and served in that capacity until 2006. He and Cornelia traveled often and they enjoyed spending time with their six grandchildren. They were active members of Rutherford Memorial United Methodist Church then more recently Clapps Chapel Global Methodist Church. His church families were an important part of his life, and he was an active volunteer at the Corryton Food Pantry. In addition, he helped establish the Union County Humane Society and was a frequent volunteer there.

Von was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, and he was fiercely protective of them and his extended family and friends. His generosity could never be questioned, and he was the epitome of someone who would “give the shirt off their back” to someone in need. Always quick with a joke, entertaining story, or even a good-natured prank, Von could hold court for hours. Other than the joy he received from giving to others, nothing made him happier than making people laugh.

He loved the University of Tennessee and held season football tickets (the same seats) for 40 years, and he was also incredibly proud that both his children graduated from the university. His love of sports extended to serving as a TSSAA high school basketball official for 20 years, and in earlier years, he also helped coach youth football at Gibbs Ruritan Park.

Up until March of 2025, Von cared for Cornelia as she battled Alzheimer's, ensuring she never left home for an assisted-living facility. After her passing, he lived independently at home and was completely self-sufficient until the end.

Von leaves behind his children, William "Bill" Von Schipmann III, and Laura (Shawn) White; grandchildren, Mackin (Carson) McCullough, Merimee (Sonny) DeTillo, William "Will" Von Schipmann IV, Bayden Von Schipmann, Madelyn Drew White, and Amelia White; sister, Ardath Palmer; brothers-in-law Gene Powell and Mike Powell; a host of nieces, nephews, and beloved church friends from Rutherford Memorial UMC and Clapps Chapel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cornelia Von Schipmann; parents, William John Von Schipmann I and Virginia Lee Von Schipmann; siblings, Jacquie Wyman, Ethel Woldt, and Leslee Arnst.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 20, from 12-2 p.m. at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home in Knoxville, with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m. Graveside service with military honors will follow immediately afterward at Lynnhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Union County Humane Society at www.unioncountyhumanesociety.org.