Julie Ann Gard Schnuelle

Julie Ann Gard Schnuelle, age 59, of Auburn, AL was abruptly taken from this life on Saturday, September 6, 2025. She was born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1966 to Gary Gard and Elizabeth Moody. Julie was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend; along with being an accomplished veterinarian, teacher, and scientist. Her unwavering love, joyous laughter, and strong spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Julie spent her early childhood in the Pacific Northwest. After relocating to North Carolina for a short time, her family moved to Memphis, TN where she attended Harding Academy. She began her undergraduate degree at Harding University in Searcy, AR and completed her degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she graduated in 1988 with a BS in Biology. She married her former husband Mike Waldrop in 1987 in Memphis, TN and they welcomed their first child Michael in 1992 while living in Birmingham. In the same year, they moved to Auburn, AL where their daughter Natalie was born in 1994.  

Julie continued her education at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, while raising two children, and graduated with honors in 1996. She became a Diplomat of the American College of Theriogenologists in 2002. In December of 2003, she was awarded a PhD at Auburn University in Biomedical Sciences with honors. Julie became a full professor of clinical sciences at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where she taught, conducted research, mentored students, and cared for animals. She retired in 2021 as professor emerita honoring her years of service and achievement. Shortly after retiring from the university, Julie began working for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, using her expertise to safeguard animal health across Alabama, Mississippi, and the nation at large.  

Julie met Archie Schnuelle while jogging in Kiesel Park and they quickly fell in love and were married in 2015. With their marriage, Julie became a loving stepmother to Archie’s children: Megan, Tyler, and Sarah Jo. Julie’s death has left an irreplaceable hole in her family and community. Despite her numerous achievements, Julie’s greatest legacy is the love that she gave so freely to any person or animal that came into her life. She is now united with her God, and the love she gave remains as a testimony and gift to all who will miss her. Julie is survived by her beloved husband Archie Schnuelle; her children, Michael and Natalie Waldrop; her stepchildren, Megan Schnuelle, Tyler (Brandee) Schnuelle, and Sarah Jo (Garret) Truett; parents, Gary (Christina) Gard, and Elizabeth Moody; her siblings, Tim (Lisa) Gard, Dolores (John) Reuther, Jason (Amy) Gard, and stepsister Karla (Shawn) McQuade; along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, additional family, and numerous friends who were dear to her.  

A memorial service celebrating Julie’s life will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Opelika on Saturday, September 13, 2025. A visitation period will follow the service until 3:30 p.m. The church is located at 301 South 8th Street, in Opelika, AL 36801. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika, AL.  

The Julie Gard Schnuelle Annual Scholarship Fund has been established at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in her honor. Those interested in supporting the fund may do so through this link. (https://give.auburn.edu/campaigns/dr-julie-gard-schnuelle-annual-scholarship/?appeal_id=68c03ff-b2a773fcb5f07a922)