Wes Schultz
Longtime Chattanoogan.com photographer Wesley Alan Schultz died at his Brainerd home over the weekend.
Mr. Schultz, who was a proud Vietnam veteran and a lover of Chattanooga history, had been in declining health in recent months. Another back operation over the weekend had not restored his mobility.
He had a long career repairing equipment for Pitney-Bowes before he started taking assignments for Chattanoogan.com.
Over the years, many of our best front page photos have been by Wes Schultz. He had a special knack for capturing a timeless photo. He knew when the light would be just right at a certain spot and he knew there was only a short time to capture it before the magic passed.
He and publisher John Wilson had a great adventure together in exploring Chattanooga's multitude of old rail lines over the last couple of years. He also contributed dozens of photos he took years ago of train stations that have long since been torn down.
As long as he could get around, he loved to photograph the city leaders as well as the not-so-mighty, including new recipients of Habitat for Humanity homes. Some of his favorites included Ron Littlefield and Manny Rico.
For many years, he never missed taking a multitude of photos at the Armed Forces Day Parade and at Memorial Day rites at the National Cemetery.
Mr. Wilson said, "He was a faithful and affable companion and the best friend I ever had. I'm sad that I won't be able to go with him to lunch at Zarzour's again.
"When he could hardly get around, he would never park in front of the restaurant, but would say, 'Somebody needs that spot worse than me.'"
Mr. Schultz went to Barger School behind the family home on North Moore Road, then he attended Brainerd High School down the road. He kept up with many of his former classmates and aided any of those who fell down on their luck.
He enjoyed playing tennis at the Brainerd Recreation Center for many years, where he became a good friend of court regular Bob Elmore.
Mr. Schultz also had fun with a group of his longtime friends playing in a garage band. He loved music, and his favorite musician was Charlie Chambers.
He was active in the Lookout Mountain Hiking Club as long as he was able.
Til the day he died he had his favorite house cats that were his beloved companions.
For many years, he and his father, W.L. Schultz, would take weekend trips to "points of interest" all over Tennessee and in some adjacent states. The homebody, however, would never stay in a motel, and they went as far as Memphis and back in a single day.
His survivors include his brother, John Schultz , who is with the Air Pollution Control Bureau, and his sister, Sandra, in Birmingham.
John Schultz said Wes would have not wanted a service so one will not be held. He said his ashes will be placed at Chattanooga National Cemetery.