Albert William Schroeder III

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Albert William Schroeder III, age 67, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, due to complications from the neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis. He was born in 1953 in Nashville to the late Albert William Schroeder, Jr., and the late Janet Patricia Schroeder (née Jones). He is preceded in death by his eldest son, James Richard (“Jamie”) Schroeder.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Long Schroeder; sons, Brian Long Schroeder (wife Kelly) and Eric Jostan Schroeder; siblings, David Young Schroeder and Anne Schroeder Ducroquetz; uncle, Richard Arthur Jones (wife Lucy); and his nephews, niece, and cousins.

Known to his siblings, childhood friends, and fellow Boy Scouts growing up as “Bill,” Al was an avid reader, writer, and cartoonist. His curiosity and search for knowledge propelled his lifelong learning and imagination. Al rigorously studied scientific advancement in regards to the nature of the universe and its origins. He was also an expert and fan of both ancient mythologies and modern ones: superhero comics, science fiction, fantasy, and pulp action heroes held as much importance to him as the myths of old.

He is fondly remembered in comic book circles as a ‘letterhack’ who contributed to the growing fandom of Marvel and DC Comics through his letters which were often published in their superhero magazines. He contributed a story concept to DC Comics which was published in Superman volume one, issue 330. Al would later become an early adopter of internet publishing, known online for his writings (‘Nova Notes’, ‘Schroeder’s Speculations’) and his own comic creations (‘Al Schroeder’s Mindmistress,’ ‘A Reasonable Case,’ ‘Flickerflame’).

One of Al’s many letters in the back of a Superman comic book caught the eye of Barbara Long of Jugfork, Mississippi. She wrote to him and he wrote back, beginning a romance that has lasted over 40 years. Al was a loving husband and father of three boys, two of which were autistic and nonverbal. Anyone who knew him knew that Al did not see his sons’ challenges as a burden. Al was a patient and kind father whose servant heart was on display to anyone who witnessed him caring for his boys.

Al was an alumnus of Hillsboro High School (’72) and Peabody College (’76). He worked for Comdata for 37 years until his death. Al’s love for science was held together with a deep Christian faith; he and his family were active members of the West End Church of Christ for 30 years. He was known at the church for helping establish their website (in the mid-1990s, before most organizations thought to have one) and for entertaining the church’s children by drawing their favorite cartoon characters.

A memorial service celebrating Al’s life will be held at one in the afternoon on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the West End campus of Otter Creek Church (formerly West End Church of Christ). A gathering of family and friends will follow at Centennial Park. A small family gathering for interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the Schroeder family asks that donations be made in Al’s name to help children discover the joys of reading. Please give to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com or through The Dolly Parton Foundation at 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 37863; (866) 428-9606.