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Herbert Ray Snelling Jr.
FUNERAL HOME
Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville
4889 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA
Herbert Ray ""Bert"" Snelling Jr. 57, of Virginia Beach, was taken from us during the tragic events that occured on May 31st, 2019. He was born in Norfolk, VA on May 18th 1962 and resided in Virginia Beach for most of his life. All of his love will continue with ""His Girl"" of 38 years Sonja (wife). He is survived by his mother, Veronica ""Roni"" Sharrett, and his father, Herbert Ray Snelling Sr. (wife Gail) and brother Micah (Kelly and children Leah and Logan). His legacy will live on through his children, Melissa ""Missy"" Faye Hart (husband Scott), and his son Herbert Ray ""BJ"" Snelling III (wife Sara). He will be forever remembered by his grandchildren, Sverre, Skyler, Brea, Ashlyn, Hunter, Jolene ""JoJo"", Colin and Cayce.
He loved to create with his hands beginning with building custom gates at Burningwood Farms, to hanging windows at Greenwich Supply, and then became a Class A contractor establishing his own company, ""Standing Firm Builders Inc"". He was known for his custom cabinetry and master carpentry skills which propelled him into building houses in the Virginia Beach area. After closing his company, Bert continued to follow his passion for building where he found his home at Eagle Construction as the warranty manager with great success he was then promoted to project manager.
He was a genuinely humble and self-sacrificing man with an infectious laugh, and we will never forget that he not only found humour in every opportunity, he also helped others to find joy in all things. His unforgettable phrases, quotes and song lyrics were always a perfect fit for any and all situations. He served the Lord and others his whole life and most recently as a member of Crosswalk Church in Virginia Beach. His strongest passion was his love for his family and memories they created together to last a lifetime. He leaves behind his legacy of distinct characteristics and values that will live on for generations to come.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 7, 2019 from 6-8:00 PM at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at London Bridge Baptist Church with burial to follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. You may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com
He loved to create with his hands beginning with building custom gates at Burningwood Farms, to hanging windows at Greenwich Supply, and then became a Class A contractor establishing his own company, ""Standing Firm Builders Inc"". He was known for his custom cabinetry and master carpentry skills which propelled him into building houses in the Virginia Beach area. After closing his company, Bert continued to follow his passion for building where he found his home at Eagle Construction as the warranty manager with great success he was then promoted to project manager.
He was a genuinely humble and self-sacrificing man with an infectious laugh, and we will never forget that he not only found humour in every opportunity, he also helped others to find joy in all things. His unforgettable phrases, quotes and song lyrics were always a perfect fit for any and all situations. He served the Lord and others his whole life and most recently as a member of Crosswalk Church in Virginia Beach. His strongest passion was his love for his family and memories they created together to last a lifetime. He leaves behind his legacy of distinct characteristics and values that will live on for generations to come.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 7, 2019 from 6-8:00 PM at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at London Bridge Baptist Church with burial to follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. You may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com
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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 5, 2019.
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30 Entries
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Joan Gaskins Hatcher
Friend
May 30, 2020
Dear Herb,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of Herb Jr. What a wonderful son you raised. I honestly cannot recall ever reading so many kind words about anyone. Devoted to his family. A loving son, father and grandfather. Hard worker. Always helping others. And tied to his church and God. As a parent- I don't think there is more you could hope for your child to become. It is impossible to make sense of this horrible tragedy and I'm truly sorry your son was part of it. I'm sure you have had an enormous outpouring of love and support from all directions and I hope it continues and helps you all with the tough days ahead. Just wanted you to know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,
Charlotte Newman Hauck
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of Herb Jr. What a wonderful son you raised. I honestly cannot recall ever reading so many kind words about anyone. Devoted to his family. A loving son, father and grandfather. Hard worker. Always helping others. And tied to his church and God. As a parent- I don't think there is more you could hope for your child to become. It is impossible to make sense of this horrible tragedy and I'm truly sorry your son was part of it. I'm sure you have had an enormous outpouring of love and support from all directions and I hope it continues and helps you all with the tough days ahead. Just wanted you to know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,
Charlotte Newman Hauck
June 14, 2019
My sincere condolences for the loss of Herbert. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Please believe that you are not alone in your grief - all of Hampton Roads is with you in spirit at this time.
Evelyn Biernot
June 11, 2019
Truly a great loss to the Virginia Beach community. What a wonderful human being to be taken from his family in this tradgedy. He's in heaven now. A kind, decent soul. We went to the same high school and graduated the same year.
My deepest condolence to his family. Praying for them during this difficult time.
My deepest condolence to his family. Praying for them during this difficult time.
C B
June 9, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to the family during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort and hope knowing that God understands your grief and he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7
A Loving Neighbor
June 9, 2019
Praying for healing to all his family and friends. So sorry.
Elizabeth P
June 8, 2019
a loved one
June 7, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. My heart goes out to you and I pray for strength and healing.
C Alexander
June 7, 2019
Alan Blackburn
June 7, 2019
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Snelling family in this difficult time. I know Bert will be greatly missed.
Sarah Clark
June 6, 2019
With our deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Bert.
May God bring you comfort in this time of grief.
Lowery Construction Company Inc.
May God bring you comfort in this time of grief.
Lowery Construction Company Inc.
Lowery Construciton Company Inc
June 6, 2019
Theresa Gibson
June 6, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the family
Kathy Baumgardner
June 6, 2019
a loved one
June 6, 2019
a loved one
June 6, 2019
Your family is in my thoughts and prayer at this time. Absent from the body, but present with the Lord.... God bless
Lesa Richardson
June 6, 2019
The Snelling family is in our thoughts and prayers. We didn't know Bert personally, but wish we could have. He sounds like a wonderful person. May God send His sweet love to embrace each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Mike & Joan G. Hatcher
Judy G. Herring
Kirby Gray Gaskins
Henry Lee Gaskins Jr. (Buddy)
Joey G. Morris
(Gail's cousins from NC)
Sincerely,
Mike & Joan G. Hatcher
Judy G. Herring
Kirby Gray Gaskins
Henry Lee Gaskins Jr. (Buddy)
Joey G. Morris
(Gail's cousins from NC)
Joan Hatcher
June 5, 2019
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to comfort you in the days to come. Beverly Baker Sigler
June 5, 2019
I never met Herbert but am sure I would have loved him. He sounds like a truly wonderful person and I know he will be greatly missed by those who knew him well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife of many years. My heart aches over this tragedy. -RP (Norfolk, VA)
June 5, 2019
My heart breaks for the snelling family God bless you all I always admired Burt from the day I met him and then I admired Burt and Sonja together when I saw them they look like two school kids that were just thoroughly in love I will never forget his infectious smile and happy-go-lucky attitude towards everything I know if God needed an angel he would definitely pick Burt snelling my wife and I and Logan and Reagan send our love my heart just is broken into pieces we love and pray for you all
Harold Zydzik Jr.
June 5, 2019
I'M A STANGER..BUT SENDING LOVE TO HIS FAMILY.N FRIENDS..GODS LOVE IS EVERYWHERE..GOD HAS HIM WRAPPED.TIGHT IN HIS ARMS..MAY U HAVE HEAVENLY..PEACE
D JOHNSON
June 5, 2019
Sonja & Family My heart is heavy and there are no words to express the deep sorrow I feel. Richard and I had the privilege of working with Bert and you for many years through Viola Bldg.Corp. Bert was such a wonderful man, so talented and kind. I will always remember his smile and his since of caring when Richard was sick. Wishing God's peace for you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Love to you all.
Julie and Richard Byrd
June 5, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Patricia Wood
June 5, 2019
There are those people who leave a legacy when they go to be with Jesus and Bert was most definitely one of them. He saw value in everyone and was always so positive. He and Sonja took myself, my kids and some of our neighborhood kids to our first Acquire the Fire concert many years ago. His heart was for all to know the love of Christ. Bert was full of the love of God and now is surrounded by God himself. I pray for Sonja, BJ, Missy and all his family that will miss his presence in their daily lives. Love you very much Snelling family and praying for your comfort.
Susan Miller
June 5, 2019
Losing someone that we love never comes easy.
It is truly heartbreaking. May God's promises in
Isaiah 65:17 comfort and help you.
It is truly heartbreaking. May God's promises in
Isaiah 65:17 comfort and help you.
June 5, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss of this
wonderful man. I know GOD will be watching
over you and your family. My prayers are with
you Sonja.
wonderful man. I know GOD will be watching
over you and your family. My prayers are with
you Sonja.
Melodie Douglas
June 5, 2019
SANDRA OBRIEN
June 5, 2019
Our sincere condolences to family and friends. May you find comfort at this most tragic time. Sending thoughts and prayers from NC.
Mary & David Zugelder
June 5, 2019
Roni, our hearts break for you and your family, and pray that you feel the love and prayers being said on your behalf. May God hold you close and keep you in his embrace.
Bonnie Prestridge
June 5, 2019
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with you Bert. My heart is heavy. A truly beautiful soul taken to early. I will forever remember your smile and kindness. Heaven gained a true Angel. My deepest condolences to your family.
Gloria Massengill
June 5, 2019
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