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Submitted: 10/30/23 • Approved: 10/31/23 • Last Updated: 11/3/23 • R251832-G0-S3
US Army
World War II
1907 - 1997
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) - Friday, July 18, 1997
Dr. Leonard R. Schmitt, principal of Bess T. Shepherd School from 1949 to 1973, died Thursday, July 17, 1997, at a local retirement center. He was 89. Dr. Schmitt was a lifelong resident of the Tyner area, an Army veteran of World War II, a 40-year educator in Hamilton County Schools, and a past president of the Hickory Valley Civitan Club. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Chattanooga in 1933, a master degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and a doctorate in education from UT in 1957. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa national education fraternity, the UTC Old-Timers Club, the Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association, and the Joe Engel Knothole Gang. He was active in the YMCA.
Dr. Schmitt was preceded in death by his wife, Julia D. Kirkman Schmitt, four brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include his son, Dr. Otis K. Schmitt, Ten Mile, Tenn.; daughter, Julia S. Arfken; brother, Edgar Schmitt; and sister, Mary Jacocks, all of Chattanooga; four grandchildren; and a step-great-grandchild.
The body was cremated. A memorial service will be held today at 3 p.m. at Tyner United Methodist Church with the Rev. Harold Ray officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church and asks that memorial donations be made to the church choir fund. Dr. Schmitt's autobiography may be found on the Internet at http://www.pobox.com/~cba/schmitt.htm.
Arrangements are by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home.
Contributed on 10/30/23
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Record #: 251832