William Anthony Schuermann

Born to Junior and Betty (Walton) Schuermann in Columbia, MO, on January 28, 1947, Tony graduated from Centralia High School in 1965 and attended Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville, MO. After college, Tony married and joined the Air Force before being deployed overseas. Following his service, he pursued his interest in aviation. At Central Flying Service in Little Rock, AR, he acquired his pilot's license, flew charters, instructed, and built his flight time.

His first job as a corporate pilot was with SOG, a bridge company just outside of Little Rock. In 1977, Walter Smiley hired him to head the flight department for the growing data processing company, Systematics Inc., in Little Rock. This was a defining moment in his career, working with a company and personnel he admired until his very last days. As Systematics grew, so did the flight department, expanding to include multiple aircraft and pilots. Tony served as Chief Pilot, or self-titled "Lord Captain For Life Doo-Dah." You just had to know him.

His career spanned 40 years and over 18,000 flight hours, including employment at Alltel Communications with Joe and Scott Ford following the acquisition of Systematics Inc. His final professional blessing came in his own pilot service company, WS Aviation, with Jeff Fox and the Circumference Group. "What a way to end a career," he often said with high admiration. This condensed career summary was filled with lifelong friends, events, and memories he spoke of almost daily.

Tony's character was rare, defined by humility, compassion, and an "others first, me last" mentality. He possessed an uncanny way of making fun of his own perceived shortcomings, often leaving people laughing out loud. While he might not have considered himself a "legend," a legacy was most certainly established.

Tony’s favorite hobby was riding motorcycles. Nothing relaxed him more than getting on his Harley-Davidson for a quick loop or a long trip. His joy was his friends, from his elementary school buddies who still gathered regularly to the vast group of new friends he added even in his final days.

His passion, was his family. "Dad" or "PawPaw" was always there, no matter what. If you were brave enough to ask about them, you might get the "whole shebang"—pictures, accomplishments, and updates on exactly what each one was doing. Most recently sharing the news of the expected arrival of his first great grandson, Theodore (Teddy) Jacob and first great granddaughter, Mia Fair. He loved them dearly, and they loved him.

Tony was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Sylvan Hills Community Church in Sherwood, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Junior and Betty Schuermann, and son, Jacob Schuermann. He is survived by son, Josh Schuermann (Jocelyn); grandsons, Broc Schuermann, Tyler Schuermann (Camdyn), and Zack Schuermann (Natalie); his brother, Jeff Schuermann (Linda); two nephews, Robbie Nichols and Ryan Schuermann (Kelsey); his great-niece, Tatum; and as he described, his matrimonial survivor, Clida Fair Schuermann.

Visitation will be held on Thursday April 16, 2026 from 4:00 pm -6:00 pm at Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR, 72117.

Funeral Service will be held Friday April 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Sylvan Hills Community Church, 8019 AR-107, Sherwood, AR, 72120.

The family would like to give special thanks and acknowledgment to the UAMS ICU staff and the Arkansas Hospice care teams. You are difference makers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to:

• Crisis Corner c/o Sylvan Hills Community Church, 8109 AR-107, Sherwood, AR 72120

• BRICK Refuge c/o Lizzy's Light Ministries, 134 Twin Oaks, McRae, AR 72120-9808