Richard Brian Schultz

Richard Brian "Rick" Schultz of Gastonia, North Carolina passed from this world on or about December 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Aaron and Sally Schultz, and is survived by his sister Karen Garfinkle and her husband, Harry Garfinkle, as well as a cherished niece, Amanda Garfinkle (and husband, Ed). Born in High Point, North Carolina on December 15, 1950, Rick's early life was marked by a deep passion for baseball, nurturing a lifelong allegiance to the New York Yankees from the moment he was born. His love for sports expanded to a newfound allegiance to the "Wolfpack" of North Carolina State University, where he pursued his undergraduate studies, majoring in political science. An active and passionate political activist, Rick participated prominently in protests and rallies during the tumultuous late 1960s and early 1970s, advocating for justice and change.

Rick earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa in 1975, embarking on a distinguished legal career that began in New Bern, North Carolina. His career led him to Gastonia, North Carolina, where he served in the District Attorney's office, prosecuting criminal cases with unwavering commitment, and also in the Public Defender's office, representing the accused with equal fervor for constitutional due process and the Rule of Law. Later, he established himself in private practice, earning a reputation for his zealous advocacy and inventive defense strategies, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, clients and judges alike. Rick never shied away from the more difficult and complex cases (to which he was often assigned) because he was known to do a good job and get the matter accomplished professionally.

Beyond his legal pursuits, Rick was a devoted actor with Community Theatre in Gastonia and the First United Methodist Church Theatre, bringing characters to life in productions such as 1776, Present Laughter, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Championship Season, Annie Get Your Gun, and others (with roles ranging from, the humorous Marx Brother "Banjo" (in The Man Who Came to Dinner), to a fearsome Nazi Soldier (in The Sound of Music), to the Patriarch Jacob (in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Known among his theater family for his humorous anticipation of opening night, and always being the first (and last) to break down a set, Rick often kept his lines to himself until the moment of performance, delivering them with a unique flair that kept audiences and fellow actors alike on the edge of their seats. He served on the Board of Directors of the Little Theatre of Gastonia for over 25 years.

Music was the rhythm of his soul, and he found pure joy in gathering with friends, playing golf, his 4-legged family of Lhasa Apsos, "Dulcie" and "Ruthie" (named for the late, great NY Yankee, "Babe" Ruth), and sharing the simple pleasures of life with much love and laughter. An avid card and poker player, Rick's competitive spirit, caustic wit, and warm personality made every game memorable, and he could always be counted on to bless a meal with a Hebrew prayer, a gifted mensch to saint and sinner alike.

A Memorial Service (a ceremonial session of Gaston County Superior Court) honoring Rick Schultz will be held Friday, January 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Way, Gastonia, NC 28052, to which the family, courthouse personnel, bench, bar, friends, and the public are invited to attend. We hope everyone who knew, and cherished Rick will join us to honor his memory. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service is honored to serve the Schultz family. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared online at: www.greenefuneral.com.