Raymond Conrad Schneider

Raymond Conrad Schneider was born into this world on 23 September 1941 to loving parents Conrad and Margaret Schneider in Jersey City, NJ. He was born in a time of peace between two wars, to parents who had survived the great depression. They taught him the lessons of hard work, discipline, high standards, faith in the Lord, and family loyalty. His first job in fact, was in the family garment business, designing women’s lingerie. Stories of these days were some of his favorites to share, especially with the ladies, which he told with a special twinkle in his eye.
That life changed as he graduated from High School during the early days of the Vietnam War. He enlisted readily into the US Marine Corps in 1963, taking pride in the challenge offered to him by the toughest force in the service with the sharpest uniforms. He completed Basic Training at Paris Island and went on to become a 2181 Weapons Tech. While in Vietnam he was required to work directly with the herbicides Agent Blue and Agent Orange, both highly toxic that impacted him throughout his life as it did so many others. Over his 20 years of service, he earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, The Naval Achievement Medal and a Meritorious Mast. Additionally, he was recognized as being more than proficient with the weapons he was assigned to carry, having earned the Sharpshooter designation in both rifle and pistol.
While in the military he met his first wife Anna Milagros Schneider, who was a fellow Leatherneck. Within two weeks these young lovers knew their story was meant to be and they were wed. Anna was woman of great strength and character. The Lord blessed their union with two beautiful children and a love story that lasted 48 years, till the Lord called Anna home leaving an emptiness in Ray’s giant of a heart.
In 1983, active military service ended. However, his service to his country and his beloved Corps did not. He became a US Navy Jr. ROTC Instructor at Neptune High School in Neptune NJ. There he taught countless young men and women over a span of 12 years. Many of those he trained grew to be military leaders themselves, like US Army CPT John LaGrandier, who would one day become his future nephew by marriage.
As his time as a Military Instructor ended, he found a new opportunity to lead and inspire. He moved to Augusta, GA where he served as the Staff Trainer for Mental Health Response at the East Central Regional Hospital – Gracewood. His skills, knowledge, and expertise were vital to the proper care of patients and the safety of all staff members.
When he finally retired from full time work, he set his sights on the goal to create and lead Marine Corps League Detachment 921 in Augusta, GA. He had observed that there was a population of Leathernecks around him who needed a community and a cause. So, with his own finances, he made an investment once again into the lives of others.
It was during this time that he met a very special woman, who was part of a very special family, whom he had become a part of while in Neptune, NJ. During that time in Neptune he had displayed his care for people, more than career. He learned that the family of two of his students, John and Luche LaGrandier were in the midst of a chaotic military transition. Without hesitation, he opened his heart and his home to their whole family. He provided them a place of calm and escape in the middle of the storm. As a result of his kindness, a special bond was made that kept them all close. Then one day, in 2013, a fateful introduction was made by Nydia LaGrandier. While on a phone call with Ray she decided to introduce Ray to her sister Milly, who was living with her. In no time at all they began a whirlwind romance that led to a small in-home wedding in Feb 2014.
From that time to his very last breath, the two were inseparable. Together, they led a seven-state convention for the Marine Corps League. They also committed year after year to lead the local Toys for Tots drive. Ray and Milly epitomized dedication to family and lived out fully the marriage vow of “in sickness and in health”.
Today, we do not say goodbye to Ray. Instead, we simply say “See you later!” For Ray was a man of faith who had surrendered his life to Christ Jesus and was in full relationship with him till the end. Now Ray walks proudly with him in that land where there is neither pain nor suffering. He is one more Leatherneck serving proudly in Heaven.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents Conrad and Margaret (nee Herzog) Schneider and his 1st wife Anna Milagros Schneider.
He is survived by his current wife Narda Milagros (Milly) Schneider, his sons Raymond Conrad Schneider II and Ruben Maldonado, his daughters Elisa Ann Schneider and Narda Maldonado-Espada, as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Ray is also survived by his brothers Richard Herzog, Robert Herzog, and Ronald Herzog and his sister Barbara Cheroske.

The family asks that In lieu of flowers donations to be made to:

Marine Corps League Detachment 921
3320 Cockatoo Road
Augusta, GA 30907