Ron Schmidt (80) of Collierville, TN, passed away on February 27 at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Ron was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, TN, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Florida State University, earned a Master's Degree and pursued a PhD at the University of Oklahoma. While teaching in the Mathematics Department at OU, he became involved with the university's Information Technology Department and began his career in computer sciences.

Ron had a tremendous intellectual curiosity and was a lifelong student, with interests including science, mathematics, physics, history, religions, world cultures, and languages. He wrote articles and books throughout his life on various subjects, and he wrote the blog "The Infrequent Atheist."

He was an enthusiastic fan of soccer, having played, coached, and refereed the sport for several decades. One of his greatest passions was travel, and he was always up for a new adventure. The true joys of his life were his three sons and his grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Phyllis Schmidt. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Vicki Futrell Schmidt of Collierville, TN; sons Russ (Natalie) Schmidt of Hernando, MS; Billy (Sonya) Futrell; and Cú Ruadh of Asheville, NC; seven beloved grandchildren: Brianna, Alex, Zack, Emma Jane, James, Logan, and Thomas. He is also survived by two brothers: Robert Schmidt of Kingston, TN, and Craig (Linda) Schmidt of Hayes, VA; and five nieces and two nephews.

Grand Strand Funeral Home is in charge of cremation.