Fred Wood Snell, Jr.

Fred Wood Snell Jr., age 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Fred was born January 29, 1936, in Rome, Georgia. He was the son of the late Fred Wood Snell and Mildred McCord Snell. Fred is preceded in death by his wife and sweetheart of 64 years, Carol Rogers Snell.

On August 2, 2025, at 89 years young, Fred married Annette Richards. He was excited about sharing his later years with his new companion, whom he loved and adored.

Fred is also survived by his daughter Elizabeth Snell (Lee) Jordan, son Fred “Woody” (Joy) Snell III, son J. Ben (Maria) Snell, son Mark McCord (Heather) Snell. Grandchildren include Alison Jordan (Tim) Daughtry, Amanda Jordan (Michael) Garcia, Jake Jordan, Fred W. (Ruthie) Snell IV, Grace (James) Ramsey, Joshua (Carolyn) Snell, Grant Snell, Aaron Snell, Griffin Snell and Hayden Snell. Great-grandchildren include Parker and Lucy Daughtry, Isabella and David Garcia, Brogan and Reese Ramsey, Mills and Fred W. Snell, V. Cousins include Hilary F. Snell of Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. John M. McCord and Deana McCord Wallace, both of Rome, GA. Fred was also adored by his many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Fred attended Darlington School in Rome. He graduated from Emory University in 1958 and served as the President of Kappa Alpha fraternity. After college, Fred served in active duty for the Air National Guard. He continued his education later in life, earning an MBA from the University of Tennessee.

Fred’s life was defined by his deep love for the Lord, his commitment to service and his loving devotion to family. Fred was a devoted Christian and lived his life through service to others. He loved to share the love of Christ with young and old alike. In 1999, 2000, and 2001 Fred served with his wife Carol in mission service “three months for three years” in Austria and East London, England. Over the years, he worshiped at Dalton First Baptist, Grace Presbyterian, Big Canoe Chapel and Peachtree Corners Baptist.

Fred’s service to the community spanned multiple decades. He dedicated 37 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. His leadership roles included Scoutmaster for Troop 111 for 15 years, Cubmaster and various Commissioner roles. He was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, the Good Shepherd Award, the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow, plus various other scouting honors. Fred led his scouts on four backpacking treks to Philmont Scout Ranch, as well as many other scouting adventures to Land Between the Lakes, Florida Sea Base, Maine High Adventure and other locations. Fred also served as President of the Dalton area American Heart Association, Emory Alumni Association, Civitan Club, Jasper Rotary Club and as President of the Dalton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

One of Fred’s proudest moments was being selected as a 1996 Olympic Torch Bearer. He completed the mile run, torch in hand, as the torch made its way to Atlanta for the opening ceremonies. Family genealogy and history were always very important to Fred. He compiled the writings of his grandfather and published a book, The Doctor has Arrived, depicting life of an early 20th century rural Georgia doctor.

Of all his achievements, Fred’s greatest joy came from his role as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught and the love he so freely gave.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 6 at 1:00pm in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home with Reverend Phillip Cannon officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service from Noon until 1:00pm. Fred will be laid to rest at Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mission to the World, P.O. Box 744165, Atlanta, GA 30374-4165 or to a charity of your choice.

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