Ernest Stephen "Sonny" Sneed Sr.

1930 - 2022

SNEED, Ernest Stephen "Sonny", Sr., born on October 4, 1930 in Bon Air, Virginia, passed away on November 10, 2022, at his home in Powhatan, Virginia; he was 92 years old. He was the only son of his wonderful parents, Horatio Ernest and Sue Cowan Sneed. He had four fantastic sisters, Mary Elizabeth "Bibi" Rountrey (Ed), Sue "Tinky" Bahen (Al), Anne Lovett Lewis (Delmonte) and Margaret "Martue" Brownson (Bud).

Sonny attended Bon Air Elementary, Midlothian High School and the University of Richmond, where he graduated with a B.S. degree from the New School of Business. While attending U of R, he married Mary Lee Trombold. Sonny joined the Air National Guard and spent 18 months on active duty during the Korean War. He loved flying from a young age and became a private pilot with a passion for aerobatics and found his hobby in "sport aviation." He was a lifelong member of the Bon Air Methodist Church. He was also a devoted member of the James River Kiwanis Club for its full existence and earned an award for perfect attendance over 38 years. Many wonderful friendships developed throughout his life. Sonny enjoyed 25 years in the real estate industry as a broker and ultimately created Sunny Brook Homes. He loved building houses for new homeowners for the remainder of his career.

Sonny's family have been prominent Bon Air residents for over 100 years. He loved Bon Air and said it was a wonderful place to grow up and live. Sonny and Mary Lee had six children, and family was a priority for them. He was a friendly, vivacious man who always had a good story to tell.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Tinky Bahen and Martue Brownson; and his son, Tommy Sneed. He is survived by his children, Bob Sneed (Diane), Rebecca Granger (Garry), Jeanne Beck (Gary), Sandra Thompson (Norwood) and Steve Sneed (Kim); seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Sonny was very active his entire life…always thinking ahead and never met a stranger. In his own words, he said, "I had a great life, and I hope and pray all of you do too."

In lieu of flowers, our dad asked that you make a donation to your favorite charity in his memory.

Please join the family in a "Celebration of Life" reception on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Bon Air Community Center, 8725 Quaker Lane, Richmond, Va., from 4 to 6 p.m.