Jerry George Snyder

Jerry G. Snyder, former Major League Baseball player and retired business owner passed away on January 31, 2022, at the age of 92 in his hometown of Houston, Texas. Jerry, a loving husband and father, died at home surrounded by his loved ones after a battle with cancer. Jerry was an inspiration to all that knew him, leaving behind a legacy of grace and strong character, whether in the business world or during his athletic career and especially with his family.

Jerry is survived by his beautiful wife, Helen, who was at his side through the good times and the bad. He was a proud father of four children: Deborah, Lance, Kimberly and Angela and many beautiful grandchildren. Grandchildren include Jennifer, Romi, Brock, Sarah, Mathew, Austin, Katherine, Tybalt, and Tasca. Great grandchildren include Tobin, Jengo, Anthony, Judah, Julia, Nash, Mindy, Elijah, and Loki.

Jerry, the youngest of ten children, was born in Jenks Oklahoma in 1929 and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen West, December 18, 1948, just across the state line in Gainesville, Texas. Our father’s passion for sports began in high school where he excelled at both basketball and baseball, going to the state playoffs in both sports. His love of baseball led him to an amazing fifteen-year career in the Major Leagues. Rumor has it that Jerry had 12 major league teams actively recruiting him in high school. Prior to graduating, Jerry signed a professional contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but later it was annulled because he was too young at the time (only 15 years old!!). The Dodgers were big competitors with the New York Yankees who ended up signing him officially! Jerry, an infielder, began his professional career with the New York Yankees organization in 1947 (barely out of high school) playing five minor league seasons while in training. He played most of his major league baseball career with the Washington Senators from 1952-1958. Jerry took his love for playing baseball into the world of coaching, where he managed a minor league team, the Macon Peaches of the Southern Association. He also coached his son Lance in high school several years in a College Baseball League.

After a long, exciting career in baseball, Jerry ventured into entrepreneurship. A step that would last until he retired at age 60. He went into business with his brother Kenneth (Doc) at Texas Plumbing Supply a wholesale plumbing distributor. Many memories were made at Texas Plumbing! They were known for awesome Christmas parties, and of course hard work.

Aside from business, Jerry loved to eat, joke around, and play golf. If you took a picture of our dad, he was eating!! There is a rumor that he accidentally took a sharp turn in his golf cart and threw someone out the side! They were ok after the event, just a little tumble in the grass.

The most profound characteristic of Jerry was his love for family and friends. Jerry’s thoughts and advice to his kids were as follows: Keep God in your life and stay close to your family because they are the ones that will be there when the chips are down. If you have the means, help them through the tough times. It could possibly change their life in the long run. It all comes down to unconditional love!