William Schaff Obituary

William Lorson "Bill" Schaff

November 10, 1941 -

January 20, 2026

ELIZABETHTON - William Lorson "Bill" Schaff, 84, Elizabethton passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in the Johnson City Medical Center. Bill was born November 10, 1941 in New Rochelle, New York to the late William George Schaff, Jr. and Jane Hudnall Lorson Schaff. He had lived in Elizabethton since 1955. He was a 1959 Graduate of Elizabethton High School and attended East Tennessee State University and Milligan College. He was President of The Mapes Piano String Company. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. Bill served on several banking and many corporate boards. He loved boating, water skiing, going to the beach. He faithfully attended Oak Street Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Robert & Jonathan Schaff.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years: Lois Gass Schaff. Three Children: Regina Harris, Stephanie Schaff and Mark (Jamie) Schaff. Six Grandchildren: Troop Harris, Bucky Harris, Tessa Jenkins, Christofer Schaff, David Lyons and Kelly Whaley. His Great Grandchildren: Riley Harris, Nolan Harris, Macy Harris, Caroline Harris, Colter Harris, Wren Jenkins, Harry Jenkins, Fynnlee Lyons, Sadie Mak Lyons , Amelia Whaley and Lucas Whaley One Brother: Frank (Merry) Schaff. Three Nephews: Will, John and Matthew.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, in Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Jack Greenoe officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Peace, Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active Pallbearers will be: Troop Harris, Bucky Harris, Christofer Schaff, David Lyons, Tim Whaley, Will Schaff, John Schaff and Matthew Schaff. Honorary Pallbearers will be Present and Past employees of The Mapes Piano String Company and his many friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Bill to the We Love Our Church, 804 Oak Street, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Friday prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Schaff family