John King Snellings

11/21/23 to 9/26/18

John Snellings was born in Anniston Alabama on November 21, 1923. He was the youngest of four children. His parents were Claude King Snellings and Eva Welch Snellings. John was raised in Leesburg, Florida. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at age 14. He graduated from Leesburg High School and then enrolled at Stetson University in the fall of 1940. He was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. After two years of college, John joined the US Army and served in the Pacific theatre until the end of the war. He was in the First Cavalry division and saw active combat in the Philippines. After the war John finished his college studies at Stetson University and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Business Administration. He married Mildred Best (Mitzi) on January 1, 1947 and they had two children Ann Snellings Leal and William (Bill) King Snellings. Mitzi passed away from cancer at a young age. In 1960 he married Beverly Barnette Snellings. They would be celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary in November.

John entered the insurance industry in 1948 with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. He started The John Snellings Insurance Agency in July 1952 and was very proud that the business is thriving today as Snellings Walters Insurance Agency where four of his children and several of his grandchildren have worked. John retired from Snellings Walters in 1993. During his insurance career he served his industry as President of The Atlanta Association of Independent Insurance Agents and President of The Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia in 1985. On his visits to the office after retirement, John would remind the staff that he was proud of their personalized service and encouraged them to maintain that tradition.

Outside of leading the insurance agency, John was a very talented musician. He grew up playing the clarinet and tenor saxophone and while attending Stetson played in a dance band. He also performed for his fellow soldiers while serving during WW II. John gave up music during his working years but after retirement rekindled his love of music. He enjoyed performing in the Atlanta New Horizons Band, at his church, at Lenbrook, and almost every Friday night at McKinnon’s on Maple Drive. His family believes that his love of music was a very important component in his long and fulfilling life.

John was the head of a very large family. He is survived by his five children: Ann Snellings Leal (Ray), William King Snellings (Pat), Stanley Thomas Snellings (Rett), Beth Welch Snellings, John Clayton Snellings (Lori) and predeceased by Laura Snellings Strickland (Don). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

John was a devoted 55-year member of St John United Methodist Church in Sandy Springs. He served on numerous committees and was active in the Sunday School program as both a teacher and class member.

There will be a celebration of life service on October 5th, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. John United Methodist Church. 550 Mt. Paran Road NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30327 immediately followed by a reception at Lenbrook Square. 3747 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30319.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 57 Executive Park South, Suite 380, Atlanta, Ga. 30329. Online donations can be made following this link: http://fightcf.cff.org/goto/johnksnellings. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.