Darren Lloyd Schmitz

Darren Lloyd Schmitz, passed away unexpectedly on February 14th, 2026 at home. He was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on November 6th, 1959. Darren was an expert hairdresser and master colorist working at several local salons for over four decades. He could see the color and would work to achieve it. He graduated from Oak Ridge High School where he was often called Buddy.

He is survived by his husband, Brian H Davison. They were together since 1999 and married in 2016. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Dorothea and Fred Schmitz. He is survived by his sister, Cathy Schmitz Eldridge and her children Buck, Lindsey, Russell and his wife Sylvia and their daughter Claire, as well as his Aunt Inge Williams and cousins Kurt, Sam and Willie (deceased) Williams.

He loved cars and had more than thirty cars over his life. He was adored by a succession of little dogs. He loved fashion, working briefly as a model in his twenties and at Knoxville Style in his forties, and was known for his ever-changing shoes and sneakers. His sense of color and vision brought joy in collecting art, his own painting and in decorating for the neighborhood Christmas lights and for Halloween. While he had some health issues in the last decade, he had a big heart and tried to help others unguardedly.

A celebration of life will be announced later. Memorial gifts may be made to Volunteer Ministry Center or PostivelyLiving/Choice Health Network.