William L. Schafer, Jr.

William Ludwig Schafer Jr.

William “Billy” Ludwig Schafer Jr., 80, died on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Billy is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Katherine “Kay” (Kay) Cook Schafer, of Augusta, GA. He is survived by his one son, William Ludwig Schafer III (Kathy), of Augusta, GA and one daughter, Katherine Schafer Hensley (Forrest) of Augusta, GA, grandchildren William Ludwig Schafer IV (Brittany), Katherine Schafer Bazemore (Ryan), John Daniel Schafer, Katherine Reams Wilson (Jason), Russell Stephen Reams, Matthew Wellington Schafer, Samuel McLellan Schafer, and great grandchildren Madeline Clarke Timmerman, and Coleman Lane Bazemore.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in Westover Memorial Park with Rev. Roy McVeigh officiating.  

Billy was born, a first generation American, in Augusta, GA on October 14, 1943, to the late William “Willy” Ludwig Schafer, Sr. and the late Katherine “Katie” Schwegler Schafer, both from Neu-Isenburg, Germany. Billy graduated from the Academy of Richmond County ROTC in 1961. He then attended the Citadel and graduated 3rd in the business school in 1965. He was on the Citadels rifle team, winning a National Championship his senior year before going on to serve his country during the Vietnam War. After graduation, Billy married Kay and immediately moved to Fort Lewis in Seattle, Washington. Billy was a 2nd Lieutenant and assistant to the General on base.

Billy’s father, Willy, passed away unexpectedly in 1968 leaving Billy’s uncle, Walter Schlapp, alone to run the family business, Master Buick GMC (Pontiac Master.). It was then that Billy and Kay moved back to Augusta and joined the family business to begin his life’s career as an Automotive Dealer. His strong leadership led him to become an integral part of several community organizations and company Board of Directors. He was a recipient of the Rotary Club of Augusta’s Paul Harris Fellow, awarded for 25 years as a top Pontiac and GMC dealer, Chair of the Suntrust Board of Directors, and served as a trustee on the boards of Episcopal Day School, Presbyterian College, and Electrical Equipment Company. He was also a member of the Augusta Country Club and the Pinnacle Club of Augusta. Billy was a deacon and elder for many years at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church before becoming a member of Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church.

Billy’s passions were football, tennis, snow skiing, boating, and fishing, especially with his wife Kay, children and grandchildren. There was rarely an activity that Billy or Kay did that did not include the other.

We thank the loving care givers that took care of Billy, especially Sharon Starke, whose love and support has been invaluable. We also want to thank the nurses at Savannah River ProHome Care, Promedica Hospice, Dr. Drue Van Alstine and Dr. Danny Newman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org/donate) or Trinity on the Hill Methodist Church.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com