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Steve Snipes Obituary
Travelers Rest, SC
Stephen Putnam Snipes, 59, of Travelers Rest, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born in Cheraw, SC, he was a son of the late Harold Lee, Sr. and Lucia Putnam Snipes. Steve was a graduate of Presbyterian College in 1975 where he played football. Shortly after graduation he moved to Travelers Rest to teach History and Coach. He taught at Travelers Rest High School for over 20 years and then taught and coached at Blue Ridge High School until he retired. After he retired from teaching he started a Paint Contracting business for the purpose of funding the charities that he loved. He was a member of Travelers Rest United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan Keasler Snipes; two sons, Kyle Snipes and wife Amanda and Brett Snipes; his grandson, Hudson Snipes; his brother, Lee Snipes and wife Mary Margaret; a niece, Justin Anne Patterson and husband Drew and his brother-in-law, Bennett Keasler and wife Sherri. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock at Travelers Rest United Methodist Church. Burial will be Private. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:45 Saturday at the church prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Pillowcase Project, C/O Travelers Rest United Methodist Church, 19 S. Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at ww.thehowzemortuary.com or at Acts of kindness in honor of Coach Steve Snipes on Facebook. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of the arrangements. (864) 834-8051.
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Memories and Condolences
for Steve Snipes
David Penland
February 23, 2023
Steve was a great football player. Whenever I hear his name all I remember are positives. He had a contagious personality and brought joy to those around him. I am thankful to have known him.
David Penland
February 23, 2022
Steve had a wonderful smile and a great example to us younger guys.
Stan Reid
March 21, 2013
Susan,
Steve was, and remains, one of the funniest and sincerest people I have ever met. He was a great friend and teammate. With Steve, there was never any question about figuring out the right thing to do in any situation. Please accept my condolences as we grieve with you, all the while knowing that he is celebrating in a new life altogether.
March 7, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up in Cheraw and Steve was part of a wonderful family from Cheraw. His father was a great principal at the high school and his mother was a superb teacher. Steve was kind and nice to everyone. A wonderful man. Heaven has a new angel. I am truly sorry for your loss. Joan Gregg Ervin
BILL WALTERS
March 7, 2013
SORRY TO HERE ABOUT COACH SNIPES I PLAY FB FOR HIM IN 1978 AT TRHS AND HE WAS A VERY GOOD MAN HE WAS EASY GOING AND HE WILL BE MISSED WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL
Laura Stall Sims
March 5, 2013
Dear Susan,
I was so sad to hear about your husband's death. I only met him a few times while we teaching together at Heritage, but it was always so obvious how much the two of you adored each other. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
March 5, 2013
Dear Family:
Coach Snipes taught me in high school. I had him for Civics in 9th grade and then again for a semester course of psychology during my senior year. I always thought very highly of him. Actually, the psychology course changed the direction of my career choice. Eventually, I earned a BA degree from Southern Wesleyan University in Psychology and a Masters of Education, Counseling Vocational and Community from Clemson. I have always felt he had an impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I know what it is like to lose a father - I lost mine in 2005 and nothing is ever the same again. I am joyful though, because I know I will see him again.!
Sunnie Williams
March 4, 2013
To coach snipes family i am sorry for your lost he was my teacher the class of 1981 i honor him and respected him he was one in a million i thank god that i had the honor of knowing him bless you coach snipes we loved you and will miss you.God bless the snipes family.
Jerome Smith
March 4, 2013
Dear snipes family I am sorry for your lost. I am a class of 1999 graduate from travelers rest high school. I was never lucky enough to have coach snipes as my teacher but he still knew who I was and talked to me everyday he seen me as if I was in his class. That was the type of person he was his smile made everyone smile whether you wanted to or not. He will definitely be missed
Kimberly H
March 4, 2013
In the short time that I new Steve he was always a breathe of fresh air - always had a kind word. My prayers for the family in this time of sorrow.
Yvette Diaz Davis
March 4, 2013
Dear family of Coach Snipes, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Coach Snipes was my mentor. His influence inspired me to pursue Political Science as a major in college because he made our Government and Economics class fascinating. As is typical of teens, chaos in my personal life was reflected in my clothing, hair style, etc. yet Coach Snipes seemed to only see my heart and was kind and supportive. While some teachers would make negative remarks about my outward appearance, Coach Snipes would compliment me on my creative flair. What a remarkable man with a devine call to teach!! I will never forget Coach's Andy Griffith extra credit questions or going to the parking lot to learn how to change a flat tire as part of class. His sincerity and caring nature were without measure. You will be in my prayers.
March 4, 2013
Dear Susan,
I was so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I didn't know him personally, but heard you speak fondly of him often. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Lean on the Lord for strength and comfort.
Sincerely, Suzanne Coggins
Brenda Bass Stewart
March 4, 2013
Dear Snipes Familey' Mr Snipes was 1 of the best men I every meet. I was class of 1982 at TRH. I work at Bojangle's when Steve would come in he still knew who I was. That meet so much to me. HE WAS THE BEST PRAYERS ARE GOING UP FOR YOU ALL{ We will see him again}
Allen Lee
March 3, 2013
Dear Snipes family
My family was sorry to hear about Steve. I am originally from Cheraw and knew Steve and Lee. Mrs Lucia Snipes was a teacher of mine and my sister. Mr Harold Snipes was principle when we both attended Cheraw High School. What a fine family. We will be praying for you at this time of loss. He will be missed
Ramona Blake
March 3, 2013
Steve, I will always remember your encouraging words and prayers during my illness! The lunch wasn't bad either:)
Your selfless service to all will be missed!
Thanks Susan for sharing such a wonderful man!
March 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was sadden to hear of Steve's passing this weekend. Steve was one of my favorite coaches at Travelers Rest in 77'-78'. I will always have fond memories of my relationship with Steve and the impact he had on my life.
~Charles Louie Browning, Seneca, South Carolina
Pam Machia
March 3, 2013
Snipes Family,my heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time
Coach Snipes was my government teacher in 1983.I enjoyed his class and he was a great teacher.He smiled all the time so you knew he loved what he did.Thank you Mr.Snipes
Sharon Byrd Lauretti
March 3, 2013
Susan, Lee, and the entire Snipes family, I went to school with Steve and Lee in Cheraw. I had their mother as a teacher at Cheraw High School and we had many classes together. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. Even though I have not seen Steve recently, I will always remember him as sweet, kind, funny, humble and a little shy. From the messages left for the family, it is obvious that he grew into a wonderful man, husband, father, and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
KAREN BYRD MIRCHELL
March 3, 2013
I GRADUATED FROM CHERAW HIGH SCHOOL WITH STEVE. I WAS SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING. STEVE WAS A TRULY NICE PERSON AND A TALENTED ATHLETE. IT WAS NOT SURPRISING THAT HE BECAME A TEACHER AND COACH. IT WAS A TRIBUTE TO HIM TO SEE ALL OF THE WONDERFUL WORDS FROM THE LIVES HE TOUCHED. THERE ARE JUST SOME PEOPLE IN LIFE YOU KNOW WILL NOT CHANGE THEIR CHARACTER. IT SEEMS HE WAS A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN TO THE END. THE WORLD COULD USE A LOT MORE OF THEM. I HOPE THERE IS SOME COMFORT IN KNOWING HOW PEOPLE FELT ABOUT HIM. IT SEEMS HE TOUCHED MORE LIVES THAN HE COULD HAVE EVER KNOWN. I AM SURE YOU ARE VERY PROUD OF THAT.
YOU WILL ALL BE IN OUR PRAYERS IN THIS TIME OF GREAT LOSS.
Glenda Black
March 2, 2013
Dear Snipes Family;
I sat in Coach Snipes US History Class at Travelers Rest High during the 1984-1985 school year. During my school career, never had I had a teacher that made such an impact on me, as Coach Snipes did. Never had I been able to learn and retain so much as I did in Coach Snipes class. He made learning fun. He would give us tools to remember the information . . . sometimes it was a little off the wall . . . but it worked. Not only was he the greatest teacher of all time, but he was also one of those “adults” that we knew we could trust if we needed to talk about a problem. He would listen and that is what a lot of us needed at that stage of our lives. He was truly an angel among men . . . I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you all.
Ruth Middleton
March 2, 2013
Steve was,as a student,exemplary.As a man from Cheraw,SC,he has made his hometown so proud. Susan,Kyle,Brett, Lee,and all the rest of the family,as I am sure you know,you have been blessed.Steve was the finest. I had the privilege of having him as a student and later knowing him as a man. Lucia was my best friend for many years before her death.My only consolation is that she and Harold are rejoicing today. I know that God is good,and my prayer is that He will bless and comfort all of you and give you strength.
David & Dorothy Rutledge
March 2, 2013
Dear Snipes family,
Steve was one of the finest people I've ever known, and
I give thanks for knowing him. I hope your grief will be
eased by memories of all the good things you shared
with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy and Cheryl Cruell
March 2, 2013
Susan, please know that our hearts are broken, but because of the goodness and love we will forever hold in our hearts for you and Steve, those memories encourage,inspire and give us strength. May your memories and love encourage, inspire and give you strength in the days ahead. Know that our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and we are holding you,Brett and Kyle before the Father everyday.
Eugenia Carpenter
March 2, 2013
Dear Susan, Kyle, Brent and Snipes family, this is a very sad time for anyone that knew Steve. He knew how to make you feel special, loved, and you could see his love of family and God. Due to health issues, I won't see you today, but hope to very soon! Thank you for all time you and Steve always made me feel loved and prayed for. May God wrap His loving arms around all of you!
Love,
Eugenia
Wendy Roach
March 2, 2013
My prayer for you guys is that God will give you PEACE that passes all understanding thru this difficult time. As a "Class of '90" graduate of TRHS, I have MANY memories of Coach Snipes and have dwelled on them these last few days. I can still picture sitting in his Psychology Class, watching "Taxi" episodes as he sat on the edge of his desk. His SMILE was contagious and he has left a LEGACY that will carry on forever! Even when we don't understand why God has to take someone we love, as a christian we trust and know that GREAT things have and will continue to come from God taking one of His own. I am praying for you guys and pray that lives will be changed forever thru Steve's passing. I can only imagine the reunion Steve is having right now in heaven and as he entered the Gates of Glory- God saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" God Bless!
Pamela White
March 2, 2013
Dear Snipes family, We are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We didn't know him as a coach or history teacher, but we knew him as a kind and gentle soul who sincerely cared about others through his painting. He was just here three weeks ago~painting our two girls' rooms. Our girls couldn't have been more thrilled with their rooms! They enjoyed talking with him and getting to know him those three days he spent with us here. My little one especially, Joëlle, has been greatly impacted. She along with all of us have been praying for your family. She was saddened to discover that the very time for the funeral and viewing was the same time for her birthday party. She really wanted to come today. Steve was also an incredible encouragement to our other daughter through his glowing remarks and enthusiasm over her artwork! It really touched her greatly! I know Elliott will greatly miss Steve's daily companionship. I observed how kind, patient and loving he was to Elliott and how he treated him like a son. It was beautiful to see! I hope Steve is enjoying some snicker doodle cookies now that he's made it to the best place out of this world!! :) I especially made Elliott and him cookies to thank him for blessing our family with his hard work here at our home on their way out the door from having completed the job. Many hugs and prayers for your family! Heaven is rejoicing to have him home and he can't wait for the rest of you to get there. Wonder if he'll coach a team of angels while he's waiting?! :)
David Penland
March 2, 2013
I am sorry for your loss and pray that God will provide the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time. My only memories of Steve are when we played football together at PC. Although Steve was two years ahead of me he always treated me with dignity and respect. I will always remember Steve was a vibrant and cheerful young man with a contagious smile who lived out his faith. His actions mirrored those of our Savior in that he humbled himself to do the Father's will rather than his own. I am grateful to have known Steve Snipes and will always cherish the memories he created during our time as team mates at PC
March 1, 2013
Susan, Linday and I were so sorry to hear about Steve's passing.He was such a super guy and a great athlete. I have many fond memories of all of us growing up here in Cheraw and playing sports and enjoying the simple pleasures of a small southern town. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Love Robby and Lindsay Bennett
Mrs. Audette
March 1, 2013
Brett, so sorry to hear about your dad. I will be praying for you and your family.
Bob Callison
March 1, 2013
Susan, Kyle, Brett and Family:
It has been over 14 years since I left SC but one of my memories was of Steve and his constant positive attitude, his smile and his obvious love for his family. I am praying all your extended family will find solice from all these messages and the love that is coming to all of you. God Bless you and the family. I will be saying a prayer at 3:00 tomorrow as you celebrate his love and life.
Jaime Jackson
March 1, 2013
Dear Snipes Family I am so sorry to hear about Coach Snipes. He was a great teacher at TRHS. He was my US History teacher there he was an awesome teacher. He was my favorite teacher at TRHS. He will be truly missed. I will be praying for your family.
Jaime Cartee
March 1, 2013
Dear the Snipes family I am so sorry to hear about Coach Snipes. He was my favorite US History teacher at TRHS He was the best teacher at TRHS. He was a inspiration to me when I was in his classroom. He will be truly missed. I will be praying for your family.
Jayne Edwards Harry
March 1, 2013
Dear Susan and extended family,I am so saddened to hear of your sudden loss. Steve was just the most wonderful person I think I have ever known. He truly lived his life as we all should--full of grace, full of love for his fellow man, and with a smile on his handsome face.Susan,I will continue to keep you and all of Steve's family in my heart and prayers. Love, Jayne
Rick Whitt
March 1, 2013
Susan, Lee, and family,
I am so sorry to here about Steve. What a wonderful, humble, caring person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rick Whitt
Dan Tillman, III
March 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Such a wonderful man and friend. Our prayers go out to the entire Snipes family
March 1, 2013
Dear Susan and your family...Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I got the news of Steve's death. He and Lee were an extension of The Teacherage family. It has been a priviledge to see all of the sons and daughters of The Teacherage gals grow up into fine adults. Steve left such a positive legacy of compassion and love for everyone he came in contact with.
Most sincerely, B.J. Moore
Garcia Gilmore
March 1, 2013
"Gone to Soon" Always in our hearts, He was too good man to leave us, but God must have a different plan. I a blessed to have known Steve. As friends and growing up together in Cheraw, he was admired and respected by all. Not only was he a caring and giving person, he was the best athlete that I ever had the priviledge to play sports with. To the Cheraw community , Steve was our All-American guy. Susan, Kyle, Brett and the entire family our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bobby and Billie Polson
March 1, 2013
Dear Susan and family we were heart broken upon hearing the sad news about Steve. He was a very special person and brought much joy to the world. Love to all of you. Billie and Bobby Polson , former teacher and friends.
JUDY HESTER
March 1, 2013
Dear Kyle and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Barry Hester is my son and you guys all went to school together it seems not that long ago . Barry thought so much of your dad, during one of his practice's Barry's dad was rushed to the hospital your dad was one of the first to tell Barry to leave and go be with him he was a very special person very caring . He taught alot more then just his classes in school . He will surely be missed our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family !!!
Larry/Brenda Wahrer
March 1, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go to all of you in the Snipes family. Each of our children have had a positive influence for good thanks to coach Snipes either on the field, classroom or both. Steve Snipes will not be forgotten by us and our children. We prayerfully thank him for his strong ethics and love of people which has benefitted so many. There's much to be done on the other side and I'm sure Steve will be a great help to others there also.
Brenda Wright
March 1, 2013
I worked with Steve here at Blue Ridge High. Steve was truly a kind and caring person. He always smiled and encouraged others. He was soft spoken and helpful. He had a heart for others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be truly missed. May God comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Garcia & Luberta Gilmore
March 1, 2013
"Gone to soon" Always in our hearts, He was too good of a man to leave us, but God must have a different plan. Susan,Kyle, Brett and family, Steve was truly a man that was respected by all. As friends growing up in Cheraw, Steve to our community was the All-American guy. I'm blessed to have known him and I am happy to known that I will see him again in Heaven. Steve was a complete and thorough in everything he did. A a teamate in HS Steve was the best athlete that I ever had the priviledge of playing with. "My deepest Sympthany"
Rick Moser
March 1, 2013
Kyle, I didn't know your dad, but he sounds like a great man. We need more coaches and teachers like him. I'm so sorry for your and your families loss. Praying for you guys.
kindal kelley
March 1, 2013
Dear snipes family i had the honoring of having coach snipes my last year of high school, He was an awesome teacher he always talked to us like we mattered to him we were more than students we were friends and another thing i remember is he always had an rc cola and a moonpie with him everday. You will be missed coach but i know that i will see you again one day.
Laura Pace
March 1, 2013
Dear Susan and family, I am so sorry about coach. He was my favorite teacher. I really liked lot you all. I really liked all of you. I have known you for over 30 years. It breaks my heart about what happened to coach. I will really miss him. You and your family are
in my prayers.
Dan Adams
March 1, 2013
Susan & Family,
Our hearts are breaking upon learning about Steve - we met as college room-mates in August of '71 at the age of 18 - played footabll together - grew up together - had fun - met our spouses (you & Jere) @ the same time - Our prayers are with you. Love - Dan & Jere Adams
Steve Harris
March 1, 2013
Susan, Kyle and Brett; I was sorry to hear about Steve's passing. His kindness and cheerful demeanor will be missed.
Laura McClellan Smith
February 28, 2013
Mrs. Snipes and family, keeping each of you in my prayers during this time. I was a student of Coach Snipes. I had the pleasure of having him 2 years while he was at TRHS. He was a big inspiration to me and I had the utmost respect for him. I was so glad to see him at BRHS. He was truly one of a kind, his students all knew that he cared about them, and his love for God was evident just by talking to him!! TRHS was blessed to have him!! May God's love surround all of you and his peace comfort you!! Thanks Coach Snipes for touching my life!!
February 28, 2013
Dear Mrs. Snipes and family,
We are sorry for your loss, and pray that you are comforted and strengthened by the hope we have in Jesus. Mr Snipes was such good and caring person. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donald and Nancy Kirkland
Beth Harris
February 28, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man who was a husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a wonderful teacher, and friend. I have been blessed to have known Steve through my years as a counselor at Enoree Career Center. He was a shining example of a good christian man to all of us who knew him. Your family will be in my prayers.
Lori Holman
February 28, 2013
My precious friend Susan, my heart hurts for you and your sweet family but yet rejoices in knowing that your awesome husband Steve who has blessed so many has now received his reward in heaven !!! I know with out a doubt when he saw Jesus face to face he smiled that beautiful smile when he heard the words "Well done my good & faithful servant now enter in to the Kingdom of heaven". I love you Susan and I am praying peace & comfort for you and your family! I am only a phone call away if you need me!!!! (((((( HUGS)))))))
February 28, 2013
To Mrs Snipes and Sons I'm sorry for your loss may God Bless you during your time of bereavement. We will thinking of you. David, Laura & Phillip Smith
steven nix
February 28, 2013
dear snipes family im sorry for your loss. Mr. Snipes was a great man. Im class of 1990. I never had him for a teacher in a classroom, but i did in life. He was a great role model for a young man like me and helped me more than he or you will ever know. God bless in your time of sorrow.
Lisa Ballard Kennedy
February 28, 2013
Dear Susan, Brett, Kyle, Amanda, Lee, and Snipes Family,
I was so sad to hear the news of Steve's passing; what a wonderful and caring man he was to everyone. I grew up with Steve in Cheraw, and I will never forget his friendship, his dimpled smile, and his humbleness and graciousness....he was truly a southern gentleman. How lucky you were to have him as a husband, father, and brother. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I feel your loss. Love and peace to you.
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