Richard Brenton Snyder passed away on the evening of August 25, 2015 in Gainesville, Georgia surrounded by family after a courageous battle with leukemia. Richard was 71 years old.
Born December 10, 1943, in Bridgeport, CT, Richard was the son of the late Harry and Phyllis Snyder of Stratford, CT. After graduating from the Maine Maritime Academy, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Sally Woolard Snyder, in 1965. They had two sons.
After working in several engineering capacities, Richard moved with his family to Florida in 1973 and worked his way up to Maintenance Manager with CF Industries in Plant City. Richard and his family settled for a time in Auburndale, Florida, where he put his engineering training to work by personally building their home. In 1990, Richard lost his wife, but was later blessed with a new relationship that lasted almost a quarter century.
After retirement, Richard and his second wife, Karen, enjoyed traveling extensively. He especially enjoyed visiting Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. He eventually decided to put down roots in the North Georgia Mountains where he, once again, beautifully crafted his own home, much of it by hand. Richard was always one to help others, and often used his carpentry and engineering skills to lend a hand in family and friends’ remodeling projects. He was also a lifelong boater, enjoying time on a live-aboard sailboat and even recently building his own vessel to sail on Lake Rabun.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Sally. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife, Karen Snyder of Lakemont, Georgia; his son Richard J. Snyder and wife Sue of Jupiter, Florida, and their two daughters Lauren and Erin Snyder; his son Gregory J. Snyder and wife Sandy of Lakeland, Florida, and their two daughters Morgan and Jenna Snyder; and his step-daughter Neala Pollard of Fort Meade, Florida, and her son Josh Pollard. Richard also leaves behind his brother Robert Snyder and wife Marlene of Stratford, CT, several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 5, at 2:00 pm at Tallulah Falls United Methodist Church, 204 Church St., Tallulah Falls. Friends are invited to join the family one hour prior to the services.
Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home and Habersham Crematory of Cornelia (706/778-8668) are in charge of arrangements.
