Paul Edward Schantz

Paul Edward Schantz, 84, of Evans, Georgia passed away at his home on October 14, 2023. Paul was born on March 19, 1939 in Ortley, South Dakota, to Omar and Viola Schantz. He was the youngest of 7 sisters and brothers. He graduated from Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois in 1961, with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy/Religion. In 1964, he graduated from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, with a Masters of Divinity. On August 9, 1963, he married Janice Kaye Bryant.

He was ordained and served as a pastor in the Atlantic Southeast Conference of the Free Methodist Church for more than 30 years. He pastored churches in Marietta, Georgia, Gainesville, Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia and Huntsville, Alabama, respectively. He started CPE training in 1995. During his second year of training, he became a Contract Chaplain at the VA Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, while training for his CPE in Birmingham, Alabama. During that same time, he was also a hospice Chaplain in Northeast Alabama and drove many miles that year. Not only did he receive his CPE from Carraway Methodist Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama in 1997 but that same year he was nominated and then received the honor of becoming the National Contract Chaplain of the Year for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Omar and Viola Williamson Schantz, his sister, Mary Ellen Schantz Bonney and his brothers, John Schantz, Leroy Schantz and Ralph Schantz.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice Bryant Schantz; his daughters, René Schantz Ingle, Tammy Schantz Weigel (Tim), Chrisi Schantz Dyer (Todd) and his grandchildren, Kaelin René Limeberry (Dustin), Alexis Kaye Hock, Alyssa Grace Hock, Levi Paul Dyer, Joy Marie Dyer. He is also survived by his siblings, Ruth Schantz Bonney and Howard Schantz.

Over the years of his ministry, the relationships Paul built were for the sole purpose of telling others how much Jesus loved them, specifically through his actions rather than his words. He was pastor, counselor, advisor, mentor and friend to so many while providing a wonderful example of his Heavenly Father as a husband and Daddy at home. He will be dearly missed.

The family is so grateful for the thoughts, prayers and delicious meals from the congregations of Riverview Church, Parkway Baptist Church as well as co-workers from the VA. We're also grateful for the care given by Right At Home Health Care and Regency Hospice.

Memorials may be given to Oakdale Christian Academy (5801 Beattyville Rd. Jackson, Kentucky 41339) in lieu of flowers. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Platt's Funeral Home on 337 N. Belair Rd, Evans, Georgia 30809. The Celebration of Life service for Paul will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 with visitation starting at 1 pm at Riverview Church at 1244 Furys Ferry Rd in Evans, Georgia 30809. Burial will be at Westover Memorial Park in Augusta, Georgia directly after the service. Arrangements are being made by Platt's Funeral Home.