Alfred John Schmitt Jr.

Alfred John Schmitt, Jr, 92, of Swan Quarter, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the home of his daughter Annette Howard in Pink Hill, NC. He was surrounded by his three loving daughters.

Al Schmitt was born in New Holland NC to the late Alfred Schmitt Sr. and Marietta Weston Schmitt. He grew up in Engelhard where he spoke of many adventures in the community.  After graduating from Engelhard School he joined the US Air Force and worked in communications during the Korean War.

After serving the military 4 years he attended Louisburg College and NC State University studying courses in electrical technology. He later received his electrical license.  He worked for many years for Western Union. He was proud to say he shook the hand of several presidents.
While working in Charlotte, NC, he met and married the love of his life, Katheryn Lancaster. After leaving Charlotte, they moved to Raleigh and then settled in Rocky Mount.  Together they raised their three daughters.

After retiring from Western Union he worked for Consolidated Diesel and opened his own antique reproduction furniture shop. He became a master craftsman. The furniture is his home was mainly antique reproductions which he personally built.

Al returned to Hyde County to refurbish an old home which he moved to his family’s homestead. He shared his love of reading and history with any who were interested. He helped write several historical books including Landmarks of Hyde County. He loved to be active in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Gardening, building boats, and scavenging for Native American artifacts were some of his favorite activities.

He has always been an active servant of the Lord and member of the community. As a young boy, Al was a member of the Engelhard United Methodist Church. As an adult he was an elder in the Edgemont Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount and Calvary Presbyterian Church, Swan Quarter. Al was a Mason and Shriner for over 60 years. His journey started at the Mattamuskeet Lodge at the age of 23.  After moving to Rocky Mount he helped establish the Twin County Lodge 257 where he achieved Master Mason.  After retiring to Swan Quarter he moved his membership back to Hyde County.  When local lodges combined he became a member of the Atlantic 294 Masonic Lodge of Swan Quarter. He was also a member of the Lions Club of Swan Quarter while it was active.

He was involved in the Octagon House Restoration committee, Hyde Historical Society, and Hyde Transit Committee.

The memorial service will be at 11 am on Saturday, June 22, 2024  at Soule United Methodist Church. Reverend Spottswood Graves will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service.

He was preceded in death by his brother Robert (Bobby) Schmitt, wife Katheryn Lancaster Schmitt, and a grandson ,William Cody Catlett. Surviving are daughters, Amy (Joe) Newton of Rock Hill SC, Annette (Clay) Howard of Pink Hill, and Jennifer (Aubrey) Cahoon of Engelhard. He has nine surviving grandchildren, Jonathan Howard, Sarah(Logan) McGarity, Scott (Amanda) Johnson, Mary Katheryn (Marcus) Bryant, Ryan (Ashley) Catlett, Jessica (Jacob) Lewis, Audra Cahoon, John Aubrey Cahoon, and Hyden Cahoon, and several great grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to Hyde County Historical and Genealogical Society, P O Box 517, Engelhard, NC 27824 or Calvary Presbyterian Church, P O Box 125, Swan Quarter, NC 27885.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Alfred John Schmitt Jr., please visit our Tree Store.