Gerald Dean SNYDER

SNYDER, Gerald Dean, 58, of Plant City, Florida, died peacefully at his home on August 27, 2013. He was born in Muncie, Indiana, on December 7, 1954. He was a resident of Plant City since 1986. He was a Veteran of the United States Army having earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was the owner of Snyder Investments and Financial Services in Plant City for 26 years. He was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Services, and the Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council, and was appointed to the State Health Insurance Board. He was awarded Top of the Table by the Million Dollar Round Table. Known for his commitment to the community of Plant City, he served on the advisory board for the Photo Archives and History Center, the Arts Council of Plant City, and assisted with the Veterans' Memorial Monument Park Project. He served as President of the Plant City Lions Club, President of Toastmasters, and Leadership Alumni of Plant City. He participated in Relay for Life and served on the board of the YMCA. He was the Director of the Southeast Hillsborough Unit for the American Cancer Society, and served as the Annual Gala Chairman for 2 years. He was an active member of the First Methodist Church in Plant City for over 26 years, where he served on many committees, including Chairman of Finance. In 2011, the Boy Scouts of America presented him with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth. His scouting career included Assistant Cub Master, Assistant Scout Master, Scout Master, District Chair of the Boy Scouts of America, District Finance Chair and Vice-President of Operations. He attended the National Scott Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, in 1997. He helped 27 boys reach the rank of Eagle Scout, including his two sons. In 2003, he created the annual Friends of Scouting Dinner to benefit Boy Scout troops in the Plant City area. In 2009, the Friends of Scouting recognized him as a Distinguished Citizen. He was an accomplished gardener and avid automobile enthusiast. He was a member of the Avanti Club of Florida- John Epstein Chapter. During his year-long battle with cancer, he continued to serve his community. He joined with the local YMCA to create a fundraiser to promote their Livestrong Program, which is a 12-week program designed for adults who have recently become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued due to their treatment and/or disease. Last January, Dean's Ride, a cycling event, made a large contribution to the program. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ceresa Michele "Mikie" Snyder; sons, Adam Justin Snyder (Candice), and Michael Brandon Snyder; grandchildren, Brock Joseph Snyder, and Gunner Gabriel Snyder; siblings, Mark, Bruce, Keith, Bonnie, Kent, Eric, Todd, Beth, and Brett; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Leon Snyder and Rosemary Hudgel Snyder, and brother, Michael Snyder Sheaks. He was a man of strength and honor and will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 30 from 6-8:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 CR 39 S, Plant City. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31 at 3:00 P.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 North Evers Street. Private interment at Pelote Cemetery, Lithia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America c/o Gulf Ridge Council, 13228 North Central Avenue, Tampa 33612. Expressions of condolence at www.hopewellfuneral.com.