Richard "Dick" Schoew

Richard "Dick" Wilson Schoew, 73, of Lynchburg, Virginia, died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with his adoring family by his side. He was the husband of Winifred "Winkie" Reams Schoew. Born in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Charles Richard Wilson Schoew and Margaret Ann Hopkins Schoew.

Dick was a powerhouse of joy-steady, spirited, and so completely himself that it made everyone around him feel like they could be, too. As a young man, he was the life of the party; as a husband, he was devoted and sincerely smitten; and as a father, he was larger than life, ensuring his girls knew how to have fun, show kindness, and connect with the world. He had a gift for seeing the good in a person before they saw it themselves, and he was the one you went to when the world got heavy. He'd listen, give you the truth, and always find the reason to celebrate. He never followed a predictable path-anyone who knew him knew he had to do things his own way, and that was part of the charm. He was happiest when the music was on and was most at home in the outdoors-on the James River, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and by the sea.

He is survived by his wife, Winkie; three daughters, Ann Morrison Schoew (Wade Stewart), Margaret Hopkins Schoew, and Clara Wilson Schoew (Tim Karefa-Johnson); granddaughter, Zoey Alexis Schoew; sister, Susan Schoew Cox (Ron); in-laws Barbara Reams, Alese Reams, and Alan and Ann Kendall Pettigrew; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His silliness, his bright beaming love, and his way of making everyone around him smile will be remembered. It is really quite difficult to think of Dick Schoew without smiling.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the 500 Year Forest Foundation (500yearforestfoundation@gmail.com, PO Box 1272, Charlottesville, VA 22902).

The family will host a gathering to celebrate Dick's life at Oakwood Country Club on Sunday, March 15, from 5 to 8 pm. All who loved him are welcome.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.