Obituary of John Franklin Snodgrass, Sr.

Major (Retired) John Franklin Snodgrass Sr. peacefully joined his wife, the late Catherine Beth Snodgrass, on Wednesday, August 25th, 2021. John loved his country as much as he loved his family and proudly retired from the United States Army in 1980. While serving in Vietnam, he was the Company Commander of Alpha and Charlie Companies, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Mechanized, 25th Infantry Division. In recognition of his leadership and sacrifice during an ambush in Dau Tieng, Vietnam, he was awarded The Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star. In addition to these awards, his battalion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation. John was a proud member of Craig Memorial United Methodist Church, Talladega Lodge 261, the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In his retirement, John enjoyed fishing, cross-country camping, and visiting his friends on his golf cart. Never meeting a stranger, John opened his arms and heart to everyone who crossed his path. His pastor even coined him “the biggest hugger in the congregation.” John is preceded in death by his parents Omar and Cleo Snodgrass, sister Cathy Cooper, son Alan Daily, and son-in-law Bryan Coon. John is survived by his daughter Cathy (Jay) Weldon, son John Snodgrass Jr. (Tasha Garrett), son Bill Daily, and son Johnny (Amanda) Daily. John’s grandchildren include Jodi Coon (David Robeson), Jessica (Sean) Wadsworth, Sydney (Hunter) Ganus, Sean, Ryleigh and Aaron Daily. John was grateful and excited to have three great grandchildren: Julie and Konnor Wadsworth and Rhett Ganus. Due to current circumstances, the family will have a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of John and Cathy Snodgrass to Craig Memorial Methodist Church, Lincoln, Alabama or donations can be sent to the 5th Infantry Regiment c/o Chester Johnson, 225 Summit Drive, LaGrange, Texas 78945. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing.