Ben Snyder
January 28, 1935 ~ August 7, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Ben Snyder, Jr., 75, of 41 Hyannis Drive, died Saturday, August 7, 2010.
Mr. Snyder was a Buncombe County native and a son of the late Benjamin F. Snyder, Sr., and Beatrice Johnson Snyder. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ethel Robinson, Catherine White, Ruth Kennemore, Virginia Towe, and Goldman Snyder.
He was a graduate of Woodfin High School and retired after 35 years with the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Following his retirement, he worked for four years with his brother-in-law, Gary Bradley, and alongside his good friend, Dale Shehan, at Simula Corp.
Ben enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife and family. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Atlanta Braves.
He was a member of the UNC-A Bulldog Club and a member of Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church. He has, however, more recently been attending Newbridge Baptist Church.
He was a wonderful husband for 54 years of Shirley Bradley Snyder, who in the past 18 months honored their wedding vows to stand by each other in sickness and in health. Her dedication to him prolonged his life and made it possible for him to remain in their home.
He was also a devoted father to two daughters and a son, Debbie Sexton and her husband, John, of Fairview, Dawn Funderburk and her husband, Will, of Raleigh, and Dennis Snyder (Lynn Malick) of Suwanee, GA; four grandchildren, Mike Sexton and his wife, Jennalee, and Macon, Kelly and Peyton Funderburk; one great-grandchild, River Sexton; and three sisters, Ruby Lynch of St. Petersburg, FL, and Rosa Lee Huff and her husband, Harold, and Shirley Ford and her husband, Bob, all of Newport, News, VA.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday at New Bridge Baptist Church with the Rev. Clark Henderson officiating. Pallbearers will be Mike Sexton, Carter Pounders, Gary Bradley, Jr., Grant Redmond, Jason Sheffield, and Charlie Wilson.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Groce Funeral home on Patton Avenue.
The Snyder family has kindly requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ben Snyder Basketball Scholarship Fund, c/o UNC-Asheville Athletic Department, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804.
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You was an amazing man and loved by so many people. We will miss you dearly.
Our heartfelt symathy to you Shirly and children. We had no idea Ben had been so ill. If we can help in anyway, let us know. 693-6161. We will be lifting you up in pray and God had His arms around you. Love Gary and Linda Wood
I am so sorry that about your dad. I know you will miss him. You have been so supportive and helped your mom and dad out so much.I am thinking of you and will miss seeing you at school. I hope things get better soon. Love you.
Dixie
Snyder Family, I remember all the hard work our families did for ACA and it seems like yesterday. I lost my Dad a few months ago and I know your pain. You all will be in my prayers. I know God will be with you.
Shirley – T.Mox, Kelly, Kenneth and Abbie Houston are so sorry to hear of Mr. Ben’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and miss you!
Shirley and family,
our hearts go out to you. We share many memories. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Dot & Barbara
Shirley and family, I was so saddened to learn of Ben’s passing. I grew up one street over from Ben and went thru school with his sister, Shirley. He was definatly a top notch man,so soft spoken and well mannered. I shall always remember him as a good and caring gentleman. This isn’t the end, I’m sure we shall be neighbors in heaven. My love and prayers to you and each family member. God bless you!!
My deepest sympothies go out to you Shirley. Stay strong and know that you are in my prayers. Ben was a wonderful man!
Shirley
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Ben was a great mentor through our years at Coca-cola,he was also a great man and will be missed by many.
Paul Cagle
We were so saddened to read of Ben’s death. Sorry we did not know he had been ill. Shirley, you, your children and extended family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Would be at the visitation, but have to be at another funeral that same evening at our church.
Our love,
Gene and JoAnn
Ben was a good friend all through the Woodfin grades, one thru 12. Enjoyed many chats with him and liked the way he played basketball and his absolute dedication to school attendance, never missed a day of school, ever. Thanks to you Shirley for being there for him and now Ben, rest in peace friend, in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Prayers are being said for the family now.
We were so sorry to learn that Ben passed away. Recall many good times playing down on the creek bank and the railroad tracks as kids. Fond memories never pass. We extend our sincere condolencies the the entire family.—————Jerry and barbara Deal
Dear Dawn, Dennis, Debbie and Shirley, I am saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. I have very fond memories of my time in your home during my middle school years and remember what a kind, soft spoken man, husband and father Ben was. He created a loving, stable and peaceful home for you all that was admired by others. My thoughts are with you and hope this is a time of family and friends that will bring you all peace. My best to you all and your families.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family in this time of grief. He was always a pleasant man to work with during my time with Coke.
Shirley, Debbie, Dennis, Dawn & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ben was such a great person and I know he will be missed dearly. I have fond memories of time spent with your family, our days at ACA, and Ben even delivered coffee to the home health agency on Merrimon Ave back in the 90’s.
I lost my dad 3 years ago and it’s not easy. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin the grieving process.
Robin Rhymer Fox
To the entire Snyder Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you
at this time. We will always remember Ben.
Our love to you Shirley and your family.
Shirley, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed.
All our love and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. Uncle Ben was one of the best. We will keep you in our prayers.
Shirley, Debbie, Dennis and Dawn,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of Ben and how he used to pick me up by my ears when I would visit the house as a kid. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
To Ben’s entire family..
Ben graduated with me and I have lots of fond memories from our high school days. I remember Ben as a very friendly person and everyone loved Ben..
I remember his smile most of all and his friendly personality.
I’ll always cherish those wonderful
school years.. those are some of the best memories..
my thoughts prayers and love are with you all.
My Deepest Sympathies, To Ben’s Family. I Went To School With Ben, For Years And We Graduated In 1953.
I Will Never Forget His 13 Years Perfect Attendance, I Also Worked With His Mother For Years At Vanderbilt Shirt Company. He Was A Great Guy, And I So Enjoyed Our School Years Together. God Bless, Lois. (828)-253-3013 . 141 Mayberry Dr, Woodfin, NC. 28804
May fond memories of good times ease this time. Our condolences on your loss.
Shirley and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ben was a very loving and kind man who will be missed by many. May you feel peace as God wraps you in his loving arms to carry you through this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with you all during this time. Uncle Ben will be greatly missed.
Shirley
We have you and your family in our prayers. Ben was a wonderful man and will be missed dearly.
Uncle Ben was the best Uncle to me. I looked forward to visiting Asheville as a kid so I could spend time with Uncle Ben, Aunt Shirley and my favorite cousins Debbie, Dennis and Dawn.
Uncle Ben always had a smile on his face and I can hear his laugh as I am sitting here typing this message. He was a joyful person who always made me feel welcome in his home and made me feel like I was one of his kids while there!
I have fond memories of a trip we took to Gatlinburg when I was little. I got to sleep in the back of Uncle Ben’s black truck with Dawn! I remember Uncle Ben driving the truck down the road and seeing the beautiful Tennessee mountains out of the back window of the truck.
I will miss you Uncle Ben!
Love,
Darlene ‘Ford’ Earnhardt & Family
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear about Ben. I know he is no longer suffering. I just lost my dad July 24 and I know it is the hardest thing I will ever go through. I have no idea how you feel but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Chelise misses seeing you and Ben and working with the kids. Enjoy all the great memories that you have.
Aunt Shirley, Debbie, Dennis, Dawn, and other family to include my Mother and Aunt RosaLee, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ben was a very kind and gentle person, and was a very careing and loving Uncle. Remember the great things he did in his life and the positive impact he had on many people to include me. I remember the days of watching basketball at UNC and the time I got to sit on the basketball court with the players. The fun cookouts in the backyard and the baseball games I got to go to when I was little. I got to get a couple of the ball players baseball bats that they would sign their names on. The camping at Pigeon Forge was very nice and enjoyable as well, I still have the picture of the lightning that was produced by one of the storms that blew over. These are memories that I will cheerish and he will be missed very much. The people that he has left behind will go on and in his honor will be good people that impact others and will spread kindness to make this world a better place. In celebrating his life and not his death, will be what he would want, and in parting he was a very great Uncle, a good person, and I am proud to have known him in my life.
God Bless all with Love,
His nephew,
Michael
Dear Aunt Shirley and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ben was a very good person and a kind and caring father and husband, and a great uncle. He was very good to me when we would come to visit. I remember the trips riding in the back of the pickup truck to go to Pigeon Forge and also the baseball and basketball games, they were very enjoyable. One of my most cherish memories was at a UNC basketball game and I got to sit on the bench with the players. Another one was getting to talk to the players that stayed at you all’s house, and getting to get a signed baseball bat. Uncle Ben was always smiling and laughing, unless he was yelling at a referee for a blown call. I will remember and honor him by being a kind and caring person myself, being honest and sincere with others. I will think of the good impact he had on my life and that he is in a better place looking down on me, guiding me, to help achieve the goals I have to help others. Uncle Ben will be missed, and looking back on how he impacted my life will always be cherished. I wish everyone a healthy grieving process and look forward when it is time, because he would want everyone to do this. Mom and Aunt RosaLee I will be thinking of you as well during this healing process.
Love,
Your Nephew,
Michael K. Ford