Philip Hay Schulz

Philip Hay Schulz, age 89, of Glen Allen, VA passed to Eternal Life on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

"Phil" was born on February 5, 1937, to Rev. Rudolph and Evelyn Hay Schulz in Keokuk, Iowa. His father was the President of Carthage College that was located just across the Mississippi River in Illinois. His family moved to Knoxville, TN in 1943. Phil attended Fulton High School. He was an excellent student and athlete. He also made some lifelong friends growing up on Emoriland Blvd. His family moved to Marion, VA for his senior year in high school where once again he excelled in academics, sports, and making great friends. He graduated from Marion High School in 1955.

Phil followed his older brother, Steve, to Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He was in Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Airforce ROTC, and played on the lacrosse team. After graduating from college in 1959, he attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg and graduated in 1963. He was ordained by the Virginia Synod of the Lutheran Church in America on June 2, 1963.

While in Seminary, Phil did his internship at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, GA. After being ordained, he returned to Redeemer and served as the associate pastor from 1963 to 1966. On May 16, 1964, he married Kay Pope whom he had met at church. On December 29, 1965, Phil and Kay's first son, Philip David, was born.

In 1966 Phil was called to be the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Richmond, VA. On January 3, 1968, Phil and Kay's second son, Christopher Hay, was born.

In 1973 he returned to Knoxville, TN to serve as the pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church for 14 years. His father had also been the pastor there from 1943 to 1954.

From 1987 to 1997 Phil was the pastor at First Lutheran Church in Nashville, TN.

Throughout his life, Phil was always known for being kind, patient, funny, and loving. He loved his God, family, and friends. He enjoyed every day and was always in a good mood. At any time, he was ready to play golf, go on a vacation with family and friends, take one of his many dogs for a walk, eat a good meal, or just be at home or on the patio with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Stephen. He is survived by his wife Kay, sons Philip and Chris, grandsons Ransom and Jackson, and great granddaughter Willow.

He is also survived by his sister Ann Schulz Crytser of Knoxville, TN; his sister-in-law Judy Greer Schulz of Lynchburg, VA; his brother-in-law David Pope and wife Gail Pope of Statesville, NC; his sister-in-law Lisa Pope Shipley and husband Dan Shipley of Bath, ME; and many loved nephews and nieces.

Although we deeply grieve at his death, we rejoice now that he is a member of the Church Triumphant and the Communion of Saints.

A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA on Tuesday, June 16 at 1PM. A burial service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, NC on Thursday, June 18 at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a random act of kindness for someone less fortunate or in need.

Arrangements for Phil are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.