With profound sadness, yet with gratitude and joy for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, Korean War veteran, educator, farmer, and friend, Daniel "Danny" Snider.
Danny, of Rockbridge County, Virginia, passed away at the age of 96, just months shy of his 97th birthday in August.
As a boy, he endured the hardships of surviving polio and the loss of his mother at age 7. Through determination and strength of character, he overcame those early challenges and went on to build an extraordinary life defined by family, faith, hard work, love and service to others.
Following his military service, he attended Virginia Tech under the GI Bill, earning a degree in agricultural education. He dedicated much of his professional life to education, serving as a public school teacher and later as a principal. His commitment to his community also led him to serve as a Rockbridge County supervisor and board member of the Virginia Horse Center. Throughout much of his life being a cattle farmer brought him great joy.
He was a man of many interests and passions. He loved his family above all else, but also enjoyed cheering for the Virginia Tech Hokies, exploring science and technology, listening to shortwave radios, gardening, getting his pilot’s license, savoring a good bowl of chocolate ice cream, and relaxing with a cold Devil's Backbone beer.
Those who knew him will remember his remarkable sense of humor and his contagious laugh. It has often been said that if you heard him laughing, you couldn't help but laugh along. He appreciated a good joke, a touch of sarcasm, and the simple pleasures of life shared with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cornelia “Connie.” His family finds comfort in knowing that he is once again by her side and is now free from the pain of cancer.
Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his family takes solace in the enduring example he set through his strength, kindness, humor, wisdom, and unwavering love. His influence will continue to be felt through the generations who were blessed to know him.
He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Dan Snider is survived by his children Dana “Dee” Arvin Snider Justice (David) of Buena Vista, Daniel Reid Snider Jr. (Pam) of Richmond, and Milton P. Snider of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren, Tiffany Crews (Pablo), Alicia Hill, Elizabeth Wood (Joe), Kristen Snider (Sarah), and Zachary Snider; and four great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Funeral services will be held on June 26 at 11 a.m. at New Monmouth Presbyterian Church in Lexington.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society can be made.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
