The doctor gave him a 15% chance of surviving six months. Six months of machine sirens and cold hospital lights. Six months of masked faces and needles puncturing skin.
Instead, Michael Schumpert, Jr. lived three and a half more years hiking nine National Parks, skiing the Switzerland Alps, climbing volcanoes in Costa Rica, and dancing to the song of life as he defied all odds. At age 51, he finally won his battle with cancer when he joined the Lord on December 12, 2024. He passed peacefully at home as his wife, Cynthia, his daughter, Sarah Grace, and his brother, Mannie, held him close and sang him into eternity.
From an early age, God's creation called him. The roar of the ocean had him and his brother running to the beach every day to surf, whether the waves were tiny or treacherous. An adventurer at heart, during college he traveled the river with his best friends, where they stumbled into various misadventures like proving plants weren't poison ivy (oops, they were) and cutting fish hooks out of his hand (ouch). He also had a black belt in taekwondo and enjoyed playing softball, soccer, and cheering on Clemson, his alma mater.
Michael's tender heart towards nature (which he inherited from his parents, Michael Sr. and Anne), was one of the things that first drew his wife Cynthia to him when they first met. His fearless spirit inspired her, and they shared many journeys of laughter and adventure together. They then poured their love into their daughter, Sarah Grace. Michael and Sarah Grace spent many days chasing lizards and snakes, and climbing the most precarious points on the hiking trails for an unforgettable glance at God's creation. As a family, Michael, Cynthia, and Sarah Grace spent more than a decade traveling the world and making memories that will be forever cherished.
Michael had the mind of an entrepreneur, the creativity of an artist, the soul of a goofball, a heart of compassion and a spirit of steel. He had a master's degree in business and a bachelors in architecture. He sang his favorite songs (loudly and off key), held impromptu dance parties in his living room, and made his family laugh every day.
There are some people who always make you feel seen, inspire you to live fearlessly, and touch your soul with the knowledge that they truly care. Michael was one of these people. He was a listening ear, a word of wisdom, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help, a joy to laugh with, and a well of kindness. Even as his body withered, he poured himself into volunteering, and his spirit and faith in God grew stronger with every weakening heartbeat. He fought each day to live with determination, love like Jesus, be strong for his family, and impact the world for the Lord. His victory wasn't in this world, but he has won in the next.
His ashes will be returned to the ocean he loves so dearly. May he follow its call and find how far it goes.
Come celebrate his life on Monday, December 16th, 2:00-3:00 pm.
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Michael Schumpert, age 51, passed away on December 12, 2024.
Michael was born in Cayce, SC to Michael Schumpert, Sr. and Anne Schumpert. Michael married Cynthia Schumpert of Summerville, SC on July 30, 2010 on Kiawah Island. They have one daughter, Sarah Grace Schumpert, who is 21-years-old and currently attends Liberty University in Virginia. Michael had one brother, Joseph Emmanuel Schumpert.
He was preceded in death by Michael Schumpert, Sr. (Father).
Despite his challenging diagnosis of AML TP53, when his health allowed, he served on the Serve Day Team at Summerbrook Church where he, his wife, and daughter attended. He also served with Meals on Wheels.
Services for Celebration of Life for Michael Schumpert will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Summerbrook Church 676 Orangeburg Rd Summerville, SC 29483. There will be a visitation preceding the Service at 1:00 pm.
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