Robert Henry Schultz

December 1, 1930 – September 19, 2018.
Marine Corps fighter pilot, husband, father, friend and leader.
Robert Henry "Bob" Schultz, 87, Colonel, USMC (Ret.) of Havelock NC passed away peacefully on September 19th.
Bob was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, was a graduate of Denby High School ('49), and attended Wayne Community College. While completing his college degree, Bob worked a full-time job in the evenings, for Essex Wire Corporation.
With the advent of war, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 1951, served in combat in Korea, and obtained the rank of Sergeant in 1952. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December of 1952 through the Officer's Candidate Screening Course and subsequently became a Naval Aviator (V-7558) in July of 1955.
Bob served in various duty stations during his career, including as Executive Officer of VMFA-314 in Vietnam. During his time in Nam, Bob's exemplary performance included flying 313 combat missions and earning 24 Strike/Flight Air Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, one Single Mission Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".
A Lt. Colonel, Schultz attended Syracuse University under the College Degree Program, where he earned a degree in Business Economics in August of 1969. Bob then assumed command of the largest Marine Corps F-4 squadron (VMFAT-201) where he served until 1972.
Upon promotion to Colonel, Bob obtained his Master's Degree from George Mason University, attended the National War College in 1977, and then assumed the Chief of Staff position with the 2nd Marine aircraft wing at Cherry Point. Colonel Schultz retired in 1980 as the Assistant Wing Commander of the 2nd MAW after 30 years of distinguished and honorable service.
Settling in Havelock, Bob undertook his second career as a financial advisor for USPA & IRA, taking great pride and satisfaction in helping other service men and women plan and secure their financial futures. Bob served as President of the Havelock Chamber of Commerce and was the manager of the Camp Bryan hunting and fishing camp. An avid hunter, fisher and golfer, Bob never met a person he did not like, and all who met him were drawn to his charisma and charm.
As a Marine Corps fighter pilot, Bob has already been closer to Heaven than most, and we pray that he is up there again, in the place he loved, watching over us- as was his calling.
Bob is preceded in death by his grandparents Gottlieb and Wilhelmine (Drachenbuerg) Schultz and by his parents Henry and Ruth (Warner) Schultz.
Bob is survived by his wife Gwendolyn Ann (Fountain) Schultz, his children Sandra (Schultz) Hearne, Bob Schultz, Jr. and Patricia (Schultz) Bailey, his stepchildren Candice (Fountain) Davies, Cynthia Fountain, Marc Fountain and Ric Fountain, and by his brothers James Schultz, Reverend Gerald Schultz and Fredrick Schultz.
A memorial service will be held October 6, 2018 at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church in Havelock, NC.
Bob will be laid to final rest at Arlington National Cemetery in 2019.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations in memory of Bob Schultz to: First United Methodist Church Hurricane Florence Relief Fund, 324 Miller Boulevard, Havelock, NC 28532.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.