Tony Ray Schiele

He, Tony Schiele, did it his way. He made his final mildly funny joke on March 14th, 2017. Tony, to all that knew him, was the definition of a smile. His character and demeanor lit up every room he graced throughout his life. A charming (as far as you know), clever, witty, dreamer, optimist, and genuinely good guy is survived by Virginia Simpkins Degerberg (mother), George Degerberg III(step father), Michael Schiele Sr. (father), Patty Schiele (step mother), and preceded in death by Michael Schiele Jr.

Tony had a love for the water, the ocean, sailboats, and it was very common to see Tony driving around in his Jeep with his dog, Cougar or Cooper, as his co-pilot. He will always be remembered with a tan, wearing shorts, penny loafers, sunglasses, and his hair blowing in the wind. You could always rely on Tony to put his arm around you, pull you close, and laugh with you. Tony reminded us all, that the joy we experience in life and the love we share with our family and friends, is the most important gift we have.

Tony was the great negotiator. His quick wit and charming ways would always close the deal. Seldom could you tell a man like Tony that you disagreed with his point of view. Many tried but would always come around to his way of thinking. It all made sense when he spoke, he had that way with words and with life. Tony was dependable and always gracious to strangers. It was not uncommon for Tony to give freely of all that he had, to someone he just met. Our days here on earth will be lonely without Tony but we are comforted, as we smile, in knowing that he is wearing heaven out with St. Peter jokes and saving us all a seat.

He died knowing that Monty Python the search for the Holy Grail was the best movie ever, and that there was not much reason to listen to anything other than Jimmy Buffet, Johnny Cash, and personal performances from good friends. It’s off.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs-Funeral-Home Saturday March 18th 2017 4-8pm and Sunday March 19th 2017 12-1pm with a graveside service at 2pm at Spring Hill Cemetery (Madison). Celebration of life at Jimmy Kelly’s Restaurant following Saturday visitation.

Pallbearers are: Brian Hamilton, Paul Pittman, Bobby Joyner, Jason Houffman, Randy Howeth, Jordan Simpkins, Joseph Jenkins, Joshua Mansfield.

Honorary Pallbeares are: Patrick Julian, Blair Durham, Ray Giroux, Rodney Wood, Carey Bringle, Greg Hamilton, Scott Smallwood, Thomas Hannah, Michael Schiele Jr, Scott Shapiro.

In lieu of flowers Tony asks you all to hug your mom and dad if they are around, or say hi to an old friend or family member, while fondly remembering Tony.