Terry Snider Obituary

Our Lord is preparing a place for Terry John Snider, age 61. Terry confronted his recent challenges with Parkinson’s with courage, grace, and humor, and we sadly said good-bye to him on January 27, 2020. His positive influence and memory is left behind with his loving wife; Kristen, his sons; Jonathan Snider and Justin (Andrea) Snider, and their mother, Deanna Silva; grand-children; Brock, Blake, Jaeci, and Brendan; his parents; Jack (Belinda) Snider and Linda (Sam) Kempker ; and siblings; Cathy (Greg) Marshall, Jeannie (Patrick) Wright, and Tim (Lisa) Snider; his father and mother-in-law Richard and Marianna Nelson Jr, brothers-in-law Jon (Lisa) Nelson and Richard Nelson III, sister-in-law Nanci (Jerry) Taylor, numerous nephews and nieces, and his best friend and companion, Coconut.
Terry was born in Muskegon, MI. and was a graduate of Orchard View where he enjoyed football, wrestling, and baseball. Terry began his military career immediately following high school and proudly served his country in the United Stated Navy for twenty (20) years. His numerous voyages on the USS ACADIA, USS CARL VINSON, USS Bainbridge, USS Ajax, and USS Fresno included deployment during the Gulf War, and multiple West PAC’s. When Terry was not “out to sea”, he and his family enjoyed the west coast military ports in California and Washington. During his distinguished naval career, Terry achieved one of the highest technical levels of nuclear welding, and his final duties included supervising nuclear submarine repair crews in Washington.
After two (2) decades of naval world travel, Terry returned to Michigan, and began his “second careers”, including 16 years at SUN Chemical where he was a processing specialist. His return to Michigan allowed Terry to enjoy hunting, motorcycles, and snowmobiles with his sons, Jonathan and Justin. Terry was fond of spending time at the “family cabin”, that served as base camp for deer hunting expeditions that rarely resulted in venison (for Terry), but always provided pleasant memories. Terry’s return to Michigan also led to his marriage to the former Kristen Nelson. Terry and Kristen enjoyed traveling, camping, football games, swimming, visiting with family, and attending Fruitport Congregational Church. Terry was Kristen’s soul mate and he will be greatly missed.
Terry’s family would like to thank the staff of Roosevelt Park Nursing Center and Elara Caring Hospice for their amazing care and support during the final months and days of his illness.
Terry will be provided with full military honors following a Christian service on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Fruitport Congregational Church at 9 South 8th Avenue, Fruitport Township, MI. 49415. A visitation will be at 10:00 AM prior to the 11:00 AM service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you remember the care-givers in your lives that may need your love and assistance.