Grady King Snyder
February 20, 1929 ~ April 28, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Grady King Snyder, 89, left this life to join his beloved wife, Tootsie, in eternal communion with their Lord Jesus Christ on April 28, 2018.
Born February 20, 1929, at home in Pinnacle, NC to Otto King and Bertha Mae Snyder, Grady lived a long, fruitful life that touched many throughout his years. As a young man, he brought happiness to many by playing his guitar for barn dances and on the radio in Sanford, NC. He continued bringing joy to others with his music throughout life, even in his final days at Givens Estates Assisted Living in Asheville.
Grady’s most noticeable impact was through his work as a mathematics professor at Louisburg College and Methodist College. He brought a joy & excitement to learning math that few educators are able to accomplish and spent many hours at work and at home helping students unlock the mysteries and fascination of mathematics. He was honored that many of his former students told him that his enthusiastic teaching style inspired them to excel in their future studies.
Grady was also a strong Christian who dedicated much of his time to the church and to volunteer organizations, along with Tootsie, bringing comfort to the homeless and needy. Grady was the rock that his family and others always turned to in times of need and suffering for support and guidance.
Grady is preceded in death by his beloved Tootsie, whom he has missed for the past 6 months.
He is survived by his three children, Kin (Frances Crouch), Tim (Becky) and Regina (Steve) Pearson. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Lizzi & Logan Snyder, Timothy (Ariel) & Suzanne Snyder and Melina, Sophia & Sasha Pearson.
Grady leaves behind two brothers, Coelle and Howard, and three sisters, Erline Kelly, Jewel Baker and Melba (Jim) Kelly as well as many loving nieces, nephews and friends who will miss his keen intellect, witty humor, warm heart and friendly smile.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 5 at Lafayette Cemetery on Ramsey Street in Fayetteville, NC, and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 7 in the Norma F. Pulliam Chapel at Givens Estates in Asheville.
In lieu of flowers, Grady and his family request that memorial donations be made to SpokenWordMinistries.org.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Mr. Snyder gave me confidence in Math when I just knew I wasn’t going to pass College Algebra after a miserable high school math experience. He was patient, encouraging, and knew the things to do to bring out the best a student had within. I made an A in College Algebra’?I am prouder of that grade than any I ever earned during college and in my Master’s program. Thank you Grady Snyder from a grateful student whose life you influenced in such a positive way.
My dad and mom send their condolences. My dad told me long stories of Grady and Tootsie when they were young. They grew up together, went to the barn dances, and were very close as young people. My dad and Grady are the same age. Your family are in our hearts and prayers.
My great uncle by marriage, he was the kindest most caring man I ever had the pleasure of knowing. So glad he and his wife, aunt Tootsie, were a part of my life. He helped my husband, Bobby, so much while attending Louisburg college many years ago. He was a very wise and understanding person. A great influence in our lives. Uncle Grady, I loved you and truly will miss you.
Grady,
Thank you for your influence in the lives of students and faculty at Louisburg College. You are missed sorely, but the memories continue.
I grew up in Louisburg and Mr. Snyder taught me math at Louisburg College. He was a fellow church member and a close family friend to my parents.
Mr. Snyder was one of the finest persons that I have know in my life.
It is with sadness that we hear the death of our beloved teacher and coach at Westbrook School. I had the privilege of singing at Grady’s and Tootsie’s wedding and it was a pleasure to know both of them. I regret that I will be unable to attend any of the services but my heart is with you.
I am missing this wonderful man even at this moment when I would often be calling him of visiting him in person. He was a man of great faith, fun, and compassion. He often said that Tootsie was the one with compassion and she did have that, and so many other wonderful assets. Grady put this in action in his words and deeds in every conversation with grace and humor.
What inspired me the most was his honest humanity with humility about life, love, profession, fatherhood, and aging.
Rarely does someone come into your life that brings so much joy and interesting conversation as Grady had in my and Christine’s life? To say he will be missed is an understatement. We are just blessed to have know Tootsie and Grady for the many years we did.
So sorry to hear of Grady’s passing. We know his heart has been broken and is now reunited with his forever Tootsie. Sorry for the delay in connecting with you. We pray for you in the journey ahead.
Family love,
Family of Mary Grace Snyder Strowd ’12- 1st cousin