Robert Wayne Schultz

Robert was born on May 23, 1957, in Rochester, New York, to the late Raymond R. Schultz and Connie Clay Curasi. He grew up in Florida before moving to Georgia in adulthood. Robert attended the University of Florida, where he studied journalism, something he remained proud of throughout his life. Robert truly never met a stranger. He was outgoing, warm, talkative, and had a remarkable way of lighting up a room. His sense of humor, positivity, and ability to connect with people made him someone everyone naturally enjoyed being around. He had a way of making conversation easy and could always find something interesting to talk about. He had a sharp mind and a lifelong love of learning. Robert loved knowing the history behind things and had an impressive amount of knowledge about a wide variety of subjects.

He was especially passionate about movies and music. He could tell you which actor appeared in a movie, what year it was made, or which album a song came from. Robert was artistic and very much a free spirit, often describing himself as a hippie. He wrote poetry, enjoyed painting, and was always thinking up new ideas and inventions. He also had a natural gift for numbers and mathematics and enjoyed understanding how things worked. Robert had a deep appreciation for nature and conservation. He loved hiking, visiting national parks, whitewater rafting, and spending time outdoors. He was especially drawn to the natural beauty of Florida’s Panhandle, particularly the Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas area, where he loved how peaceful, natural, and untouched the landscape felt. In his younger years, Robert loved the beach, surfing, and deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys. His love of fishing stayed with him throughout his life, and he especially treasured the time he spent fishing at the lake with his son.

Robert also had a real love for cooking and baking. He enjoyed creating things in the kitchen, trying different foods, and sharing his appreciation for good food with the people around him. Sports were another big part of Robert’s life. He loved watching college football, especially the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Falcons, and was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. One particularly memorable moment in his life was having the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game.

Above all, Robert treasured his family. His beloved and cherished granddaughters, who lovingly called him “Papa Robert,” were the light of his life. He was immensely proud of them and loved talking about their lives and accomplishments. Robert had a special gift for knowing the right thing to say when someone needed guidance, and his family will remember the wonderful advice, encouragement, knowledge, humor, and stories he so freely shared. Robert also dearly loved his dog, Baby Girl, who held a very special place in his heart. Robert is survived by his son, Steven (Latisha) Schultz; his daughter, Michelle (Matthew) Persson; his beloved and cherished granddaughters, Breanna Schultz, Darcie Schultz, and Adelina Persson; his brother, Rick Schultz; and his sister, Linda Burnett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond R. Schultz and Connie Clay Curasi. Robert leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, knowledge, creativity, endless movie and music recommendations, and love, and those who knew him will not soon forget the light and positivity he brought into the world.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange, Georgia. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3:00 PM. The committal will take place following the service at Meadoway Gardens in LaGrange, Georgia.