Robert (Bob) Lamar Snead was born at home on March 28, 1931 in Coushatta, Louisiana to Emmett Bunyan Snead and Etna Jane Jones Snead. He was the youngest of seven children and at an early age learned to play the piano. Family members often said Bob played the Bethel Baptist Church piano before he could even reach the pedals. His early school years were spent in a one-room school house in Methvin, Louisiana and he later graduated from Fair Park High School in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1948. After enrolling in Centenary College, Bob continued to pursue his love of music by working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He was also actively involved in the Air Force Reserves while at Centenary and was drafted into active duty in 1951 with the Air Force where he served stateside during the Korean Conflict. After graduating from Centenary College, Bob attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary earning his Masters of Church Music degree. Later, he continued his education working toward a Doctorate in Vocal Performance from Florida State University.
While stationed at Tyndall Air Base in Panama City, Florida, Bob met the love of his life for 63 years, Shirley Virginia Vickers. Working together in Christian ministry for many years, they served at churches in Panama City, Florida; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Nashville, Tennessee; Tallahassee, Florida; Cornelia, Georgia; Shreveport Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and Toccoa, Georgia. In addition, Bob served at the Baptist Sunday School Board, assumed the position of Dean of Fine Arts at Truett McConnell College, and later taught music, piano, and voice at Toccoa Falls College and Gainesville State University.
Bob reminisced throughout his 86 years about the blessings of growing up in a small country town and living such a fascinating life because of his God given musical talents. To share just a few examples, he was asked to sing with Louisiana Governor Jimmy Davis as a college student at the Big D (Dallas) Jamboree and the Louisiana Hayride. Bob was also selected as the "Young Male Singer of the Year" by Lauritz Melchoir and sang leading roles in operas throughout the Southeast. He also sang with the Centurymen and was a featured soloist with the Robert Shaw Chorale.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Alpharetta, Georgia, sons Paul (Brenda) Jobe of Memphis, Tennessee, Larry (Joan) Snead of Savannah, Georgia, Scott (Carolyn) Snead of Suwanee, Georgia, and daughter Cheryl (Rick) Kelley, of Canton, Georgia. Bob also leaves his wonderful Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren who loved their "GoDaddy" beyond measure.
Lastly, the Snead family wishes to express their endearing love and appreciation to so many other members of our extended family along with countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to the National Parkinson Foundation or the American Diabetes Association.
Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.
Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899
