Charles Snyder

Charles Raymond (Ray) Snyder, 91, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Saturday, December 11, 2021. Raymond was born in Freeport, PA, to Frank and Lydia Snyder.

Ray graduated from Freeport High School in 1948. He enjoyed listening to country music, especially Waylon, Willie and Kris! Ray loved to travel and made several road trips across the United States and cruised to many exciting places. Ireland was his favorite destination. He said he would have liked to live there, but he felt it was too cold.

Eager to lend a hand, Ray had a positive personality that was reflected in his interaction with everyone he met. He could talk to anyone and enjoyed conversation and lively debate on many subjects. He admired creativity and collected poems, writings, pictures and books from his favorite poets, songwriters, artists and authors. He did his own creative writing and submitted many “Letters to the Editor” to the Daytona Beach News-Journal newspaper.

He worked at PPG Company prior to entering the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served from 1952 to 1954. Striving to fulfill a dream to be self-employed, Ray became a painting contractor working with his father and brother. Opportunities presented themselves (serendipity) for real estate development in Sarver, PA, which led him into building custom homes. He retired to Port Orange, Florida in the late 1970’s. After a traumatic medical event in 2018 that compromised his health, Ray relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where his daughter resides. He resided at Brookdale Senior Living in Jacksonville, Florida, for 3 ½ years where he graced the community with his brilliant smile, gentle personality, sense of humor, and genuine empathy for his fellow residents and staff who were always happy to see him. As his health declined, he faced the challenges head on with dignity.

Ray leaves behind his loving and devoted daughters and son-in-law, Cheryl of Pittsburgh, PA, Judith and her husband, Drew, of Jacksonville, FL, his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Ronald, and his wife, Nancy, of Buffalo Twp, PA, and many nieces and nephews. Ray joins his parents, four sisters, Frances, Margaret, Helen, and Betty; and two brothers, Neal and Roger, in eternal rest.

Crevasse Simple cremation is honored to serve the Snyder family.