Bill Schmitt

Bill Schmitt ~

Bill Schmitt, loving husband, dad and grandpa, respected businessman, NASCAR Champion, and community supporter in his home city of Redding, made his last lap here on earth, and headed to his final pit stop in heaven on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the age of 78.

Bill was a prolific businessman, starting or buying more than two dozen businesses over his lifetime, and driving the majority to success. He was well-known as one of the leaders in the North State logging industry in the 1980s and was chosen Logger of the Year in 2007. He wasn't all work, though, and made time to play hard at his dual passions, fishing and NASCAR racing. Bill and Sylvia hosted dozens of their friends and family on their Alaskan King Salmon fishing trips annually. He was also a constant presence on the NASCAR circuit from the late 1970's into the 1990's, powering his way to NASCAR Winston West Champion four times with the help of Sylvia, his family, and many friends. He was inducted into the Gatorade Circle of Champions in 1989 and competed in the very first International NASCAR race.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sylvia, his children and their spouses, Jim & Karen, Steve & Rhonda, Kathie & Frank, Kenny, his nine grandchildren and their spouses, Jimmy, Tracie, Kristi, Melanie, Denise & Joe, Frankie, Jon & Beth, Megan & Steve, Amber & Dustyn, and seven great-grandchildren – Kevin, Matthew, Addison, Ryder, Jaylen, Baylie, and Kynzie.

There will be a public celebration of his life on Saturday December 6th, 2014 from 1pm-3pm at the Shasta Baptist Church at 6600 Westside Road in Redding. If they wish, parties can make a donation in his memory to the schools he supported – Shasta Baptist School, 6600 Westside Road, Redding, CA 96001, or the school his granddaughter Megan teaches at: Fort Bragg High, Ag Department, 300 Dana St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com