Robert L. “Bob” Schaff, 70, of Elizabethton, went home to be with his Lord unexpectedly on Saturday, May 16, 2015, from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. He was born on July 14, 1944, a son of Jane Lorson Schaff, of Elizabethton, and the late William George Schaff Jr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jonathon Lorson Schaff; his very special friends, Ray McIntire, Joe White and Paul Mottern; and his “little brother” Terry Proffitt.
Bob was born in New York, N.Y., but had resided in Elizabethton since 1955. He graduated from Florida Central Academy, then pursued his education by graduating Milligan College, and later earned one year post graduate at ETSU. He then began his successful career as CEO, owner and operator of Mapes Piano String of Elizabethton.
Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton and was very dedicated to the church and loved his fellow members. He loved the Lord and embodied “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” He was a past Chairman and present member of SPR Committee FUMC, Trustee, Property Committee and Transportation Committee. He was also active in the Believer’s Sunday School Class.
Bob never met a stranger, he was warm, gentle, loving, kind, compassionate and generous and everyone that met him, loved him. His smile was contagious. He loved music, especially bluegrass and Jimmy Buffett. He was a member of the Advisory Board for the Center of Appalachian Studies at ETSU. Bob also was a member of the Thursday Nite Boys. He had a love for boats and anything pertaining to the lake, old cars, old westerns, and his pets, which were considered by Bob, his “family.”
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving companion and life mate of 34 years, Mary Etta Shadoan Elliott, of the home; two brothers, Bill Schaff and wife Lois, Elizabethton, and Frank Schaff and wife Merry, Elizabethton; four nephews, Mark Schaff and wife Jamie, Will Schaff, John Schaff and Matthew Schaff, all of Elizabethton; two nieces, Regina Schaff Harris, Johnson City, and Stephanie Schaff, Tampa, Fla.; four great-nephews, Ed “Troop” Harris, Elizabethton, Bucky Harris and wife Chelsae, Johnson City, Christofer Schaff, Elizabethton, and David Lyons; two great-nieces, Tessa Whitmore, Tampa, Fla., and Kelly Lyons, Elizabethton; a very special god daughter, Julie Proffitt Buchanan, St. Augustine, Fla.; his special friends, Elaine Mottern and Conner Johnson; and his other family, “The Shadoan Family.”
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, or at the residence at anytime. A service to honor and celebrate the life of Robert L. “Bob” Schaff will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, at First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton with Reverend Ray Amos Sr. officiating. Music will be under the direction of the ETSU Bluegrass Band and Mr. David Arney. The committal and entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Will Schaff, Mark Schaff, David Deal, Woody Taylor, Rusty Shadoan, Bill Baertels and Rudy Carver. Honorary pallbearers will be J.V. Conley, Mike Given, Phil Trubee, Dude LaPorte, Rick Zink, Tim Dudzinski, Jeff Lantroop, Ted Larsen, Norman Peters, John Norris, Ed Dance, past and present employees of Mapes Piano String, members of First United Methodist Church, Donnie and Michael Langhi. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the General Fund of First United Methodist Church, 325 East E. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax at (423) 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Schaff family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.