William Schumpert

Lieutenant Colonel William Ernest “Bill” Schumpert, 92, of Newberry, SC, died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, SC.

He was the eldest son of the late Homer Elisha and Carrie Ethel Adams Schumpert of Newberry, SC. Born in Newberry County on December 27, 1928, Bill was a 1947 graduate of Newberry High School.

Bill joined the US Army on January 2, 1950, and retired after 26 years of service. His last assignment was Fort Jackson, SC as the Army Advisor for Field Artillery of the SC Army National Guard. Bill's awards include the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Civic Action Award, Vietnam Service Medal with seven battle stars, Artillery Unit Citation with three Oak Leaf Cluster, Expert Infantry Badge, and a number of service and expeditionary medals. He was also presented the South Carolina Meritorious Achievement Medal by the Adjunct General of South Carolina for his advisory services.

After retirement, Bill taught building construction at the Newberry County Career Center for 10 years. In 1983, he was voted by his peers as “Teacher of the Year.” Bill spent much of his retirement with his family and loved woodworking, golfing, and traveling with his wife. He was a lover of country music and a great musician. After writing numerous songs, two were recorded and published.

Bill was a longtime member of the Newberry Moose Lodge, a Master Mason where he received a 50 year service medal in 2010. He was member of Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church where he taught the adult Sunday School class for 30 years.

Lieutenant Colonel Schumpert is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Betty Waters Schumpert; a daughter, Elaine (James) Hawkins of Newberry, SC; two sons, Ronald W. (Teri) Schumpert of Columbia, SC and William G. “Greg” (Kristi) Schumpert of Charleston, SC. Three grandchildren, Chris Hawkins of Newberry, SC, Michelle (Kyle) Vaughn and Sharon (Larry) Bryant of Proserity, SC. Six great-grandchildren, Matthew Hawkins, Mason Hawkins, Max Vaughn, Brock Bryant, Kathren Ann Hamby and Makayla Bryant. Bill is also survived by his brother, Roy Schumpert of Piedmont, SC and a sister, Helen Miller of Newberry, SC, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Sadie S. Elrod.

The family will receive visitors at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, March 19, 2021, at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Services will follow directly after the visitation at 4:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel by Pastor Jimmy Counts. Interment with military honors will be held at Newberry Memorial Gardens following the service. Memorials may be made to Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church, 1105 First Street, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers are Chris Hawkins, Matthew Hawkins, Mason Hawkins, Max Vaughn, Kyle Vaughn, Brock Bryant and Larry Bryant.