Stephen Allen Schultz

Stephen Allen Schultz passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2024 while on vacation with his family. He was 81 years old.

Stephen was born on September 15, 1942 in Huntington, West Virginia and lived there until he moved to Roanoke, Virginia at 13. After he graduated high school, he joined the United States Navy at 17 and served from 1960 to 1966. He served aboard the USS Exploit and the USS Observer, chiefly in the Caribbean. He attained the rank of Electrician's Mate Third Class.

Upon returning from the Navy, Stephen worked at Appalachian Power as a Relay Technician and was later promoted to Relay Specialist Senior. Over his forty year tenure, he forged many lifelong friendships and served as a mentor for many more. He retired in 2005.

Stephen's latter years were colored by the boundless, tender love he radiated through every aspect of his life. He spent much time caring for his parents, Joseph and Josephine Schultz, and later his younger brother, Mark Schultz, by whom he was preceded in death.

Stephen was a great lover of nature and saw the beauty in every day and every being. He was known not only to spoil his pets but to take care of the wildlife around his house as well, including naming each creature and feeding them from his hand. Furthermore, he was an avid champion of the sciences and regularly donated to the American Heart Association and the Planetary Society.

Stephen strove to be the best he could be yet showed great humility in view of life's many challenges. He extended his patience and charity to his loved ones whom he encouraged and supported through every venture they undertook. His legacy of love survives in all those he profoundly impacted including his surviving family: his wife of 56 years, Betty Schultz; son, Chris Schultz (Kristina); daughter, Lori Spradlin (Scott); nephew, Jeff Schultz (Dana) and children; niece, Emily Goldberg (Howard) and children; sister-in-law, Tuul Schultz and children; and grandchildren Bryant Schultz, Harrison Schultz, Gabriel Schultz, Ethan Spradlin, and Parker Spradlin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 540 366 0707