Dr. William Gene Schneider of Raleigh, 81 years old, and affectionately known as “Pa” to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2012 surrounded by his family as he went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Bill was born on April 26, 1930 to Arlene Powell Schneider and William Frederick Schneider. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Robert F. Schneider. Bill spent many childhood summers working on his uncle’s family farm, and moved with his family frequently through the years. He worked with the FBI in Washington, D.C., before beginning his distinguished career in orthodontics.
He graduated from dental school at the University of Iowa in 1954, and then served his country in the U.S. Army in Fort Ord, California, until 1956. After military service, Bill practiced dentistry in Fort Dodge, Iowa, until 1958, when he moved his family to Chapel Hill to study orthodontics at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. From 1959 to 1967 he taught orthodontics and was an assistant dean for the UNC School of Dentistry. He moved to Raleigh in 1967 to enter private practice, and in 1985 co-founded the partnership of Horwitz, Pannkuk, Parrish & Schneider. Bill retired into private life in 1995 on his 65th birthday.
Many will remember Bill for his compassionate heart and listening ear. He was always quick to lend a hand, give meaningful advice, and share a smile. Bill’s commitment to his profession created many beautiful smiles during his orthodontic career and gained him respect throughout the dental community.
Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his loving wife of 58 years, Evaleane P. Schneider; his four children, Devan Vaughn (Ray), Bill Schneider (Jan), Brian Schneider and DeAnne Grice (Larry); his ten grandchildren, Lindsay Kahrs (Matt), Lauren Lewis (Phillip), Kent Schneider (Guenn), Amy McGillicuddy (Kam), Jenna Chalk (Evan), Gene Schneider, Randall Schneider, Jill Schneider, Neil Grice, and Kevan Grice; one great-grandson, Matthew Kahrs; and his constant canine companion, Macie Mercedes.
Funeral services will be held at 11 o’clock Saturday morning, February 25, 2012 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Wake County; to WakeMed Heart Center and especially to Dr. Reddy and his staff.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dr. William G. Schneider may be made to the Bay Leaf Baptist Church Music Department, 12200 Bay Leaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 or to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 Friday evening at Bay Leaf Baptist Church.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Wake Forest. (919-556-5811)
www.brightfunerals.com
