Richard Ralph Schoen, 76, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Born May 11, 1949, in Birmingham, Alabama, Richard was the oldest of four boys born to Fred and Bernice Schoen. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa during the Vietnam conflict. Following his military service, he attended Birmingham-Southern College on the GI Bill and began a career in public education.

Richard started his career as a science teacher in the Cobb County Schools before shifting into administration in the Crawford County Schools. He later served as a principal in Vidalia City Schools and in Henry County Schools. In 1989, Richard moved to Whitfield County, where he became principal of North Whitfield Middle School. After more than a decade at NWMS, he took on a role at the district's central office, serving another ten years before retiring in 2013.

Richard cared deeply about children, and he sought to make each student feel welcome in the buildings that he oversaw. His colleagues described him as tough but fair and kind. Perhaps most importantly, he understood that often-overlooked details—such as ensuring that learning spaces are clean or that school buses have air conditioning—could have a monumental impact on a child's educational success. Among his many accomplishments, he oversaw the construction and opening of Coahulla Creek High School in 2011.

After retiring, Richard moved to Canton, where he played golf and spent time with his family. He was known for his dry, wicked sense of humor, his spirited discussions of politics, and his love of college football. He valued civil disagreement, and he would often engage his friends and family in conversations about the issues of the day. Richard had strong convictions, but he had the treasured ability to change his mind when his friends or children presented him with new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Richard is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kim; his three brothers, Ronnie, Mike, and Cliff; his five children, Alan, Adam (wife Renee), Kacie (husband George), Jessie, and Patrick; and six beloved grandchildren, Katie, Kyle, Callie, Cami, Quintin, and Candler.

A drop-in memorial will be held at Richard's home in Canton on Saturday, December 6, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, where friends and family are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate his life.