John Paul Schneider, age 82, of Live Oak, FL passed away Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was a native and life-long resident of Suwannee County and a member of the First Advent Christian Church where he was Chairman of the Board, a song leader and led the church spiritually as a lay minister during a period of time when there was a vacancy in the pulpit. Taught by an old bullwhip builder he learned the art of building whips and he in turn passed along the knowledge to each of his grandsons. He was the originator of Old Time Farm Days and made trails for the Spirit of the Suwannee Park and Suwannee River Water Management District. John Paul followed a dream of his and led a wagon train from the Okefenokee to the mouth of the Suwannee River, after six years of first mapping a trail and acquiring permission from the land owners to cross their properties, and even planning where to camp along the way. He was twice featured on the TV program Best of America by Horseback. John owned and operated Mizell Farm and Garden Center for many years and served in the United States Navy.
He was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Schneider, one son, Paul (Millie) Schneider; one daughter, Cathy (Dean) Jerkins all of Live Oak; four grandchildren, Josh Schneider, Jessica Alcorn, Wesley Schneider and Jake Jerkins; six great grandchildren also survive.
Those wishing to do so may make contributions to Suwannee Valley Care Center, Lake City, Fl, 6037 Hwy 90 W, Lake City, FL 32055 or First Advent Christian Church, 699 Pinewood Street, Live Oak, FL 32064.
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