Toombs County Obituaries Blog: Snell William Smith "Smitty" (1923-2010)

Snell, William Smith "Smitty" Sr. (1923-2010)

W.S. Snell

Nov 14, 1923 - Sat May 08, 2010

Vidalia,

William Smith (“Smitty”) Snell, Sr., age 86 of Vidalia, died on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Community Hospice following an extended, courageous battle with cancer. “Smitty” was born Nov. 14, 1923, in Johnson Co., GA to the late William Marvin and Zelma Smith Snell. He later moved to Vidalia as an employee of the Southern Bell Telephone Co. from which he retired as Area Manager 42 years later. He also met his beloved wife Julia Mitchell Snell in Vidalia where they remained and began their family. He served in Patton’s Third Army during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. His reserve unit was recalled during the Korean War, and he served as an instructor in artillery signal at Fort Sill, OK. “Smitty” was an extremely active member of his community. He served as Mayor of Vidalia from 1986-1994 and was a Toombs County Commissioner from 1995-2000. He was a 60-year Mason, a Shriner, a 50-year Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. He was past Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E. (Vidalia Elks Lodge), Past President of the Vidalia Country Club, past member of the Vidalia City Schools Board of Education and in 1968 was chosen as the Vidalia Citizen of the Year. In addition, he was Past President of the Vidalia Lions Club and the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce. “Smitty’s” First United Methodist Church was also very important in his life. He was an active member and former teacher of the Men’s Bible Class, led numerous committees and boards, and was a Past District Lay Leader. He loved his church and was faithful in his attendance until his illness. His favorite pastimes were fishing at Lake Sinclair, watching the Atlanta Braves, drinking coffee with his friends at Hardee’s, relating stories, and sitting on the porch of the Snell lake house. “Smitty” was predeceased by his wife Julia Mitchell Snell and sister Catherine Snell West.

He is survived by his son William S. “Billy” Snell, Jr. (Melody); a daughter Julia Ann Snell McDonald (David Bowerman); grandchildren Karann Snell Raines (Jason); Craig Snell (Maggie) and Kara Luthi; one great-grandson Carson Lee Raines; one brother Jerry M. Snell (Dot) of Tampa, FL and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 10^th at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 PM.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, May 11^th at 2:00 PM. at the Vidalia First United Methodist Church with the Reverends David Blalock and Robert Greene officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jerry Snell, Jr., Charley Smith, Roger Kennedy, Jr., Tom Meredith, Wendell Dixon, Ronnie Dixon, Chip Matheson and Eddie Tyson.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the Vidalia First United Methodist Church Men’s Bible Class, Jane Pickren, Frank and Pat Wilson.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to either the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 150, Vidalia, GA 30475, Community Hospice, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475, Serenity Hospice, 304 First St. West, Vidalia, GA 30474, or to the charity of your choice.

http://www.RonaldVHall.com/obituaries/obituary.php?id=24913

Snell, William Smith, Sr