Roger Paul Schmidt

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Roger Paul Schmidt on December 27, 2024. He died surrounded by his family at the age of 80.

Roger was born on January 16, 1944, in Abilene, Kansas, to Paul and Ruby Schmidt. He attended the University of Kansas, earning a B.A. and M.A. in Zoology. During his graduate degree coursework, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served as a personnel and administration specialist during the Vietnam War. He was awarded four Army Commendation Medals and one Bronze Star. After completing his service, Roger returned to the University of Kansas to finish his degree. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Parasitology at Kansas State University, where he met his wife, Linda McCord.

Roger began his teaching career as a Lecturer in Biology at Mercyhurst College. He then taught at the University of South Carolina as an Instructor of Science and Assistant Professor of Science. After five years, he joined the faculty at Columbia College where he taught as an Associate Professor of Biology for thirty-two years. During his long tenure, he served on numerous committees and as Acting Department Chair, but he was happiest in the classroom teaching and mentoring students. Roger was the kind of professor we all hope for — an excellent, upbeat teacher who’s thoughtful and kind, tough but fair, and frequently goes the extra mile. In addition to his work at Columbia College, he served on the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science Board of Directors and Executive Committee, worked as the Challenge Bowl and Science Olympiad Director, and judged countless S.C. state science fair entries in the Biology category. He also made time for annual visits to his daughters’ classrooms for career day, always with lab specimens, which were of course a big hit. He was named Emeritus Professor after he retired in 2014. 

Roger was known for his gentleness, unmatched patience, and lending the kinds of generous support that always helped others shine. He was a devoted Christian, a voracious reader, an avid golf player, fan of college sports, a Mr. Goodbar and Cheerwine fanatic, and a collector of all of the Top 40s hits. A lifelong churchgoer, he joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1978. He sang in the choir, was a youth advisor, taught Sunday School, and served as a Deacon and Elder. He loved reading political memoirs, John Grisham novels, and golf magazines. His perfect afternoon would be spent walking all 18 holes of the green while working on his drive, but, he was known to take a round of putt-putt with his daughters and grandchildren no less seriously. His daughters loved to explore his Whitney Houston and Luther van record collections, and he loved to listen to all kinds of pop music on his office CD player. And he LOVED to watch Jeopardy. 

Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Linda Schmidt; his two children, Dorothy McGrady (Kevin) and Melinda Wrenn Schmidt (Stephen Morrison); his three grandchildren, Casey McGrady, Allie McGrady, and Lilian Morrison; his brother, Daniel Schmidt (Harriet) and nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruby Schmidt. 

Roger's family invites you to celebrate his life at a memorial service on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 3 p.m.. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210. Visitation will precede the service at 1:30 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Roger's honor to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir Fund or Columbia College Science Department. 

We will remember Roger for his unconditional love and acceptance of everyone, his unpretentious way and genial sense of humor, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering faith.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.