TUSCALOOSA – Dennis Fredrick Schmitt, age 77, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama died June 24, 2018, at home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Kilgroe Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider in Leeds, Alabama with a Celebration of Life Service at 12 noon at the funeral home.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ora Lee Schmitt; father, Lelas Eugene Schmitt; and brother, L. Eugene Schmitt, Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn West Schmitt; three sons, Jason Erik Schmitt (Debra), Braden West Schmitt (Jennifer) and Tylar Kippling Schmitt (Kristy); and his brother, Vernon Neil Schmitt; his grandchildren include, Savannah Schmitt [daughter to Jason], Harrison Schmitt [son to West], Hensley Schmitt [daughter to West], Tyler Schmitt [son to Kipp] and Katie Schmitt [daughter to Kipp]; other survivors include, Mark Benningfield, Ray Cope (wife, Lisa) and Joe Agnetta that were loved as sons.
He graduated from: Leeds High School – 1959, University of Alabama – 1963, McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University – 1966 and served Army Reserve as Second Lieutenant, United States Army.
Dennis purchased a pharmacy and moved to Sparta, Tennessee in 1967. The customers at the pharmacy, Warwick Discount Drugs, came to love Dennis as he cared for them for 21 years. In Sparta, Dennis raised his family.
He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Sparta. It was through his involvement at this church where he was a founding member and supporter of India Vision, an organization to aid and house orphaned children of imprisoned parents. His work with India Vision led to the establishment of a Baptist theological seminary in Kerala, India. Dennis was one of the first supporters of Liberty University located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
When he left Sparta to start his second career with McDonald's restaurants, he moved from dear friends, including Bill and Nell Davis and Dr. Greg and Carol Boston. He started with McDonald's in 1987 by owning a franchise in Barnwell, South Carolina. After one year, he moved to Forsyth, Georgia owning several restaurants in the middle Georgia area. In 1995, he moved again, when he purchased seven McDonald's stores in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area.
He retired from McDonald's in 2000. He remained in Tuscaloosa where he owned and operated Highway 69 South Mini-Storage. He also went back to pharmacy work by doing substitute work at Harland Drugs in Moundville, Alabama.
Dennis loved his Agape Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa where he and Carolyn attend and worship.
He was known for being a good father, being a hard worker and for his generosity.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Judson College at 302 Bibb Street, Marion, AL 36756
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com.
