SCHMIDT, William Lee (Sonny), Sr.

Greenwood/Memory Lawn Mortuary. Phoenix, Arizona William Lee Schmidt Sr. (Papa, Bill, Sonny), 72, of Pima, AZ, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. William was born August 28, 1937 to William M. and Sylvia Schmidt in Toledo, Ohio. In 1947, his family moved to Globe, Arizona and that's where he grew up. On April 28, 1958, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Midway in Oakland, California. In April of 1960 he returned home to Globe for a 2 week leave and after 1 week of being home, his friend introduced him to Christine Eggers. One week later, on April 22, 1960, they were married. He then went back to Oakland with his new bride to complete his service with the Navy. On March 23, 1961, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. He then made his home in Globe, AZ. Later, he moved his family to Phoenix and then to Oregon. After retiring from Reynolds Aluminum, he returned back to Phoenix. In 2001, he moved to Pima, AZ, to be close to his son. William picked up a lot of hobbies over the years, including leather work, saddle making, making custom cowboy hats, re-loading ammo, playing guitar and learning to play drums. He loved hunting and being with his grandchildren. He was the most amazing husband, father, son, friend, hunting buddy and the world's best Papa. He is going to be missed greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and William M. Schmidt. He is survived by his wife, Christine Schmidt, son, William (Yulonda) Schmidt, foster son, Rock (Ruth) Anderson, grandchildren, David (Tiffany) Schmidt, Lisa (Steve) Martinez, Kim (Camilo) Valenzuela, Renee Anderson, Roxanne Isabel and family, Rocky Anderson, Leland Schmidt and Logan Schmidt, great grandchildren, Alexander Martinez, Antinee Martinez, Brayden Martinez, Gavyn Martinez, his princess, Kimberlynn Loralye Martinez, Devin Schmidt, Grace Schmidt, Gina Valenzuela and Lucas Schmidt and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. with Funeral Services at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Greenwood Memory Lawn Chapel, 719 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery.