William C. "Bill" Schmid

William C. ""Bill"" Schmid, Jr., age 65, of Gulfport, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2011 surrounded by loving family and friends after battling an illness. Bill was a native of Steubenville, Ohio and a resident of the Coast since 1976.
Mr. Schmid graduated from Steubenville High School ""Big Red"" in 1964, and his highlight was marching in the inaugural parade for John F. Kennedy. He joined the Navy Reserve while in high school. After graduation, he went on Active Duty. He later became a Construction Mechanic and served in NCB 53 as a Seabee. He completed two tours in Vietnam and in 1969 he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. The medals and ribbons he earned were the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy/Marine Unit Commendation, Navy/Marine Merit Unit Commendation w/ two Bronze Stars, Navy Good Conduct w/ two Bronze Stars, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Vietnam Service Medal w/ one Silver Star, Bronze Fleet Marine Force and two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Gallantry w/ Gold Frame and Palm, Vietnam Civil Act Medal with Gold Frame and Palm, and Vietnam Campaign w/ 60 Date Bar.
While stationed in Dallas, TX he met his soul mate, Iris. His final assignment, he was stationed in Gulfport, NCTC. He retired from Civil Service, U.S. Navy with over 40 years of Federal Military Service.
He was an active member of Gulfport Church of Christ; was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders; Past President of the Harrison Central High School Football Gridiron Club, 1988-1992; and received an Associate's Degree in Accounting from Phillips Jr. College in Gulfport. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He coached youth sports, loved to cook, hunt, and fish - highlight was winning 1st place in the 45th Annual MS Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo in 1993 in the Dolphin category.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. and Margaret Schmid, Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Iris Lee Schmid; three children, Butch Schmid (Karen) of Anaheim, CA, Susie Nelson (Rob) of Jacksonville, FL and Bill (Sheri') Schmid of Gulfport; six Grandchildren; three Great Grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Ginger. He is also survived by his one Sister, Peg DeGarmo (Wilbur) of Steubenville, OH; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Schmid Family would like to thank ICU staff at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport and Select Specialty Hospital for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. The service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday in the funeral home chapel, followed by burial with military honors at Biloxi National Cemetery. Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.