Ralph H Snyder

A celebration of the life of Ralph Snyder, 92, of Southside, will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013 at Collier-Butler Chapel. Ralph passed from this world into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 14, 2013. Pastors Randy Gunter and James Long will officiate. Burial will be at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.

Ralph was the fourth of six children born to Trixie Woodard and Porter Snyder. He grew up with a strong work ethic, a heart for the underprivileged, a love for children, and an immeasurable generosity toward family and friends. He never met a stranger and made the best of every situation.

Ralph was a very active resident of the Southside community, school, and Southside Baptist Church for many years. His church home for the past 17 years has been Meadowbrook Baptist Church, where he has made many endearing friendships.

On December 6, 1941 he married the love of his life, Annie Ruth Fuhrman and they spent 66 wonderful years together. They nurtured their 3 children in the Christian faith.

Ralph served in the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theater, aboard the USS LST-273 as a Baker 2nd class, during WWII. After returning from the war, he resumed work at Republic Steel. Ralph retired after 43 years of service in transportation and the last 5 years in the Blooming Mill. He was owner of Snyder Meats for many years and enjoyed all of his customers.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Annie Ruth Snyder; parents, Porter and Trixie Snyder; brothers, Fredrick and E.B. Snyder; sisters, Dorothy Myrick and Elizabeth Jones; Mother and father-in-law, George and Lizzie Fuhrman.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie (Gaylon) Pierce; sons, Michael Cedric (Melissa) Snyder and Tim Snyder; brother, Clifford Snyder; grandchildren: Craig (Debbie) Pierce, Derek Pierce, Isaac (Rachel) Pierce, Jenny McLain, Amy Snyder, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Moulton, Lacy (Jeremy) Maddox, Meghan Snyder; 8 great-grandchildren; special great-grandchildren, Adam and Lexi Pierce; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Patterson, and Belle Fuhrman.

Ralph and Annie Ruth were active members of the Etowah Chapter of Gideon International for several years. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Gideon International, Etowah South Camp, PO Box 2802, Gadsden. AL 35903.

Pallbearers will be: Hugh Simmons, Ted Turner, and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be the Mike Wilcutt Sunday school class.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.