Tracy William Schulis

Schulis, Tracy William, 65,
passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023.  Tracy was born on April 6, 1957, in Harvey, Illinois, to Edward and Greta Schulis. Tracy was preceded in death by his father, Edward Schulis, and his mother, Greta Schulis.  He is survived by his wife, Terry Schulis, his brother, Mark Schulis, his three children, Matthew Schulis (Amanda), Bryan Schulis (Carla), Courtney Schulis, two stepchildren, Connor Fitzgerald, Brooke Fitzgerald, three grandchildren, Gabriella (Ella) Schulis, Robert Edward (Beau) Schulis, and Camila (Mila) Schulis, and of course Terry-and-his forthcoming Golden-Doodle puppy Duke (named after his favorite actor, John Wayne “The Duke”).

Tracy graduated from Florida State University with a focus in Finance. In college, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity, as well as the Delta Gamma Anchor Man and “Kitchen Boy”. During his days at FSU, he met and married Lori Gordon Schulis, mother of Matt, Bryan, and Courtney.  After moving to Tampa, Tracy worked for Paradise Fruit Company for over 43 years, where he worked in the production, shipping, and eventually sales department; earning the title of Senior Vice President of Sales and Secretary of the Board of Directors. Tracy’s most recent role was with Gray & Company/Seneca Foods as the Senior Vice President of Sales for the Glacé Fruit Division; where he worked with both is son, Bryan and daughter, Courtney. He was a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club for over 26 years, where he was known in the gym for his infectious smile and bright-colored outfits. He was a member of the Florida State Alumni Association and the Seminole Boosters.

His greatest pride, joy, and drive in life was his family. On August 3, 2019, Tracy married his beloved Terry Tracy Schulis. These two were a match-made-in-heaven, complimented each other in every way, and their love was an inspiration to all. He was a wonderful husband, amazing father, and stepfather, adoring grandfather, and truly considered and treated all his friends as his family. 

Tracy loved coaching and teaching. “Coach Tracy”, as most of South Tampa knows him by; dedicated his life to guiding and coaching both young men and women at Tampa Bay Little League, The Interbay YMCA, TBYFL Seahawks, and both the Junior Varity and Varsity Football teams at H.B. Plant- where he was part of the 2006 State Champion coaching staff. He was a dedicated fan of all Tampa Sports Teams, and especially the Bucs and the Seminoles. Either in person at the stadium, or at his famous “Game Day Extravaganzas” that he hosted with his family and dear friends; Tracy never missed a Seminole or Buc’s game with his wife, kids, and friends. He was known as being a “real-life Santa” by hosting his Annual “Christmas Extravaganza”, where he invited his guests to partner with him in donating thousands of toys to Metropolitan Ministries over many years.

Tracy’s kindness, strength, strong character, work ethic, and his infectious smile, laugh, and joy will forever define his legacy. He touched many lives throughout the Tampa Bay Area and beyond. Tracy’s family encourages you to share your memories and pictures for them to cherish and reflect on. You can do so by emailing tschulismemories@gmail.com. Feel free to address your email however you please; it can be addressed as a letter to him, to his loved ones, or just pictures and stories.
 
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Tampa Yacht & Country Club, 5320 Interbay Blvd, Tampa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), or the American Diabetes Association.