William "Bill" Snyder

William Franklin “Bill” Snyder, 81, of Mechanicsville, Va., departed this life on Thursday, October 4, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde William Snyder and Esther Katherine Jones Snyder of Winston-Salem, N.C. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilma Jones Snyder; his daughters Kelly Pauley (Stephen) and Lucinda Whitehurst (Mark); his grandchildren Megan, Alexander, Charles, and Rosemary; his sister Ann Miller (Norman); as well as beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Dr. Snyder graduated from Clemmons High School in Clemmons, N.C.; from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.; from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem; and from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.

After helping on his family’s farm, stocking at the A&P, inspecting cigarettes for Reynolds Tobacco and working at Hanes Textile Mill, Dr. Snyder began his professional career as a middle school teacher in N.C. and Ct. He taught biology at West Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, then moved into administration at Forsyth Technical Institute in Winston-Salem and Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. Dr. Snyder became Dean of Instruction at Wytheville Community College in Wytheville, Va. in 1974, later serving as its President for more than 20 years.

Dr. Snyder worked to develop economic and educational opportunities through his participation in local boards and organizations. His involvement demonstrated his devotion to civic responsibility and his commitment to cultivating positive change within his communities.

Dr. Snyder was an avid fisherman, serving as “Admiral” of the Lateral Pier Fishing School during multiple trips to the North Carolina Outer Banks. He also loved golf and dancing.

Bill and Wilma were welcomed warmly into the church family of Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville after moving to the Richmond area in 2015.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 13 at 3:00 pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville, Va., where Dr. Snyder was an active member, singing in the choir and serving on church governing committees for 40 years. The family will receive visitors at the church from 1-3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Dr. William F. Snyder Scholarship Endowment at Wytheville Community College, 1000 East Main Street, Wytheville, Va., 24382.