November 24, 1928 - June 30, 2022
Billy Ray Snyder, age 93, departed this earthly home for his heavenly home on June 30, 2022. Mr. Snyder was born on November 24, 1928 to the late Roy Sherman and Eula Maude Snyder. He was a member of Lexa Baptist Church where he served as deacon and was a faithful member for many years. He retired from the Illinois Central Railroad in 1988 after 40 years of railroad service. After retiring, he and his wife Peggy enjoyed many good years of fishing. He was a "crappie snob" fisherman and didn't want anything but crappie in his freezer.
Mr. Snyder is preceded in death by his parents; wife of over 65 years, Peggy Jean Snyder; son, Billy Michael Snyder; two great-grandchildren, Aubrey Rae and River; five siblings, Hubert Snyder, Kenneth Snyder, Frank Snyder, Wiley Snyder and Myrtle Malone.
Mr. Snyder is survived by his son, Gary Ray Snyder (Sandra), who were his caregivers for the last two years; three grand-daughters, Diana Duvall (Klint), Kristina Zuranski (Tommy) and Jessica Sheppard (Matt); two sisters, Virginia Keeton and Doris Smith (Leon). He also loved and was loved by five great-grandchildren, Hayden, Mya, Peyton, Jayce and Olivia, as well as a host of other family members and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Lexa Baptist Church in Lexa, Arkansas. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena, Arkansas. Brother Tommy Jacobs will officiate.
Pallbearers are Gary Snyder, Klint Duvall, Matt Sheppard, Tommy Zuranski, Hayden Duvall, Jayce Sheppard and Charles Lovell.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
Mr. Billy was a wonderful person. I enjoyed many years of friendship with he and Ms. Peggy. A catch of crappie will always remind me of them. The Angels in Heaven are rejoicing.
I’ve only known Billy since April, saw him briefly once a week but in that time he showed me unbelievable kindness, his love for birds and all animals especially his dog bo, showed me how to just take it easy and enjoy life and let’s not forget how to talk to the donkeys, they say there’s a reason people come in your life and I firmly believe that rest in peace Billy
I feel like I lost a buddy when I heard Billy had passed. I fell in love with gospel
Music because of times we listened to his cds and watched the birds and squirrels, I fell in love nature because of our walks. I learned to make donkey calls 😊
I learned I liked old tv shows and even a few westerns. I started saying grace at meals again. I loved the stories he would tell. I will truly miss him. Because of him, I also made new friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mr. Billy was a great man and a wonderful deacon for our church. He will truly be missed. Prayer and hugs for his family.
In sympathy,
Danny and Roxie Wilson
I am deeply sorry to hear of Mr. Bill's passing. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love from Miss Dee