Wendle Rhea Snapp

Wendle was the only child of William and Ruth Snapp. He attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated as a distinguished military student in 1954. He then served two years as an Army Lieutenant in Frankfurt, Germany, where he met his wife, Anne.

Wendle was very involved in all the churches he attended and served several times as either a deacon or an elder.

Wendle earned the title of Professional Engineer and worked at several engineering firms before relocating to Columbia, SC in 1983. He received a lifetime professional achievement award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was a vice president for Wilbur Smith Associates when he retired in 2002.

During retirement, Wendle became an accomplished, meticulous artist, which began in 1988 with painting backdrops for his miniature soldier figures. He molded and hand painted each figure with detailed historical accuracy. He was an active member of the South Carolina Military Miniature Society. Wendle won several awards for his toy soldier displays, often featured at the South Carolina State Museum. He created displays with his figures, which he then used to create Christmas cards. Wendle enjoyed European history, especially that of the queen and the royal family. He particularly loved being present at the rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour Parade for the queen’s birthday celebration in London.

Wendle was predeceased by his parents and a son-in-law, Butch Green. He is survived by his wife of 68 years and three children; Wendy, of Fairplay, CO, Sarah, of Cochabamba, Bolivia and John (Jackie), of Everett, WA.

Many thanks to the Palmettos of Parklane for the excellent and loving care provided during the past two years. Wendle was loved and respected by everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed but will live on forever in our hearts.

To see a video of Wendle and his cherished hobby, go to Vimeo.com/762479506/66bb8ad309