On Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Jerry Ray Snider (Dadoh) gained his wings and was returned to the Lord at age 78. A loving father and grandfather, leaving behind his only son James Robert Snider and granddaughter, Raianna Snider Wilson (Ray). Jerry was born on July 9, 1944 to the proud parents, Vergie and Howard Snider. They raised 6 children.
Civilians will recognize Jerry best by his infectious sense of humor, and thank him for his years of service in the military. He was a member of the American Legion Post 255. His family knew him as a kind, giving and compassionate spirit. He could tell a good long entertaining war story. He grabbed life by the lapels, kissed it and swung it back onto the dance floor. He was a boot-scoot-boogie and avid country music lover.
Throughout his life he was an accomplished beach bum, and loved the sound of the waves. He was a rare combination of someone who loved life and a firm understanding of what was important, his family. His signature everyday look was all his, a plain button down shirt or a Bama t-shirt paired with jeans and his favorite hat. As a very young man, he learned to work hard and to take on whatever job was available. He was a jack of all trades and a master of the lawn mower all the way into his elder years. He dedicated himself fully at Stone Electric into retirement making a good living. In 1992, he met the love of his life, his granddaughter, (Ray) Raianna snider Wilson, whom sports his middle name as an endearment nick name.
It only took a day at the farmers market to meet and tie the knot with Gloria Ann Trussell Snider, her beauty caught his eye, who is also preceded in death by. They raised one son, James Robert Snider. He was blessed to have rekindled love with his best friend and high school sweetheart, Shelby of Cullman, Alabama. He is best pictured with a cup of coffee in one hand and the other placed on man’s best friend, a dog. He loved dogs and would take yours.
Christmas mornings greeted you with the best breakfast ham and candy he would make from scratch with Emma Burgee, especially for his ray of sunshine granddaughter. He is survived by his son, James Robert Snider, granddaughter, (Ray) Raianna Snider Wilson, sister, Faye (Don) Gillium, brother, Jimmy Snider and countless friends and members of the Legion. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Vergie and Howard Snider, brothers, Woodrow, Don, JL and Robert, life-long partner, Emma Burgee.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation to the American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale, Alabama in his name for those in need that have served in the military. A memorial service in Jerry’s honor will be held at the American Legion and will be announced at a later date. Cremation has taken place and Jerry will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at a family cemetery. Finally, the family ask that in memory of Jerry that you thank a veteran for their sacrifice and service… pay it forward.
