Obituary for William Robnett Schoolfield
William Robnett "Rob" Schoolfield was born in Pikeville, Tennessee, December 15, 1953, on his father’s birthday. He passed away at 68 years old on March 12, 2022, after a seven-month fight against pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his spouse, Brenda Thompson Schoolfield; son, Ellis Richard Schoolfield; daughter, Katherine Eunice Schoolfield; siblings: James Robert Schoolfield, Jr., Thomas Lurton Schoolfield, John David Schoolfield, and Francis Suzanne Schoolfield Sapp; along with nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Robert Schoolfield, Sr., and Hannah Tom Robnett Schoolfield.
Rob holds degrees from Tennessee Technological University, The University of Tennesseeat Chattanooga, and Bob Jones University and studied at The University of South Carolina. He studied percussion with Charles Hiebert, Joseph Rasmussen, Monty Coulter, and James Hall.
Rob was a musician, playing percussion and guitar. He played and sang with his friends in the Pure Mountain Water Band (known as The Tennesseans at Six Flags over Georgia). He performed with regional orchestras in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina as well as with the orchestra at First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina.
Rob loved learning and teaching. He taught music in Tennessee and Alabama before moving to South Carolina to teach for 35 years at Bob Jones University. At BJU he founded the percussion program as Director of Percussion Studies. He supervised the equipment and logistics along with teaching private lessons and conducting the University Percussion Ensemble. He also served as associate conductor of the BJU Symphonic Wind Band. He performed with the University Symphonic Orchestra and the University Opera Association.
Rob said that he always wanted to be a father, and he was a loving and kind father. He and his wife rejoiced in their children’s accomplishments and growth. He loved his siblings and their children and grandchildren. Family was second only to his heavenly Father.
Rob died in faith, without fear, and with confidence that God. He looked for a "city having foundations whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10). Rob believed that he would see his Redeemer, and he is now healed and saved.
The memorial service will be held 4:30 PM (EDT) Thursday, March 17, 2022 in the main sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. Before the service, the family will receive visitors beginning 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville County, or to the Gingery-Mack Music Scholarship at Bob Jones University.
A separate memorial service will follow a private graveside service in Pikeville, Tennessee. The date and time of those events are still being determined and will be announced.
Rob holds degrees from Tennessee Technological University, The University of Tennesseeat Chattanooga, and Bob Jones University and studied at The University of South Carolina. He studied percussion with Charles Hiebert, Joseph Rasmussen, Monty Coulter, and James Hall.
Rob was a musician, playing percussion and guitar. He played and sang with his friends in the Pure Mountain Water Band (known as The Tennesseans at Six Flags over Georgia). He performed with regional orchestras in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina as well as with the orchestra at First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina.
Rob loved learning and teaching. He taught music in Tennessee and Alabama before moving to South Carolina to teach for 35 years at Bob Jones University. At BJU he founded the percussion program as Director of Percussion Studies. He supervised the equipment and logistics along with teaching private lessons and conducting the University Percussion Ensemble. He also served as associate conductor of the BJU Symphonic Wind Band. He performed with the University Symphonic Orchestra and the University Opera Association.
Rob said that he always wanted to be a father, and he was a loving and kind father. He and his wife rejoiced in their children’s accomplishments and growth. He loved his siblings and their children and grandchildren. Family was second only to his heavenly Father.
Rob died in faith, without fear, and with confidence that God. He looked for a "city having foundations whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10). Rob believed that he would see his Redeemer, and he is now healed and saved.
The memorial service will be held 4:30 PM (EDT) Thursday, March 17, 2022 in the main sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. Before the service, the family will receive visitors beginning 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville County, or to the Gingery-Mack Music Scholarship at Bob Jones University.
A separate memorial service will follow a private graveside service in Pikeville, Tennessee. The date and time of those events are still being determined and will be announced.