Thomas Stephens Snyder died Friday, October 1st, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He was the son of Howard McCrum Snyder, Jr., and Loaine McLaughlin Snyder. Born at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., he grew up on various army bases from Fort Myer, Virginia, to Fort Hood, Texas, to Heidelberg, Germany. Tom graduated from St. Andrew's School in Middleton, Delaware, and went on to earn a BA in U. S. History from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard University. He attended the U.S. Navy Officer candidate school in Athens, GA, and served in the Vietnam war.

After graduating from Harvard, Tom established Tom's Lawn and Garden Center in Columbus, where he enjoyed cultivating flowers and friends alike. After the garden center closed, he enjoyed an entrepreneurial career which brought him in contact with many people with whom he remained friends until his death.

Tom always had a heart for those who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances. He was instrumental in establishing the House of Mercy, was active in prison ministry, and served on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus. Tom made a difference in the lives of many people outside his own family, but said his greatest accomplishment and privilege was being the father of his three children.

In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and had a keen eye for birds and wildlife all his life. He could transform any plot of soil into the most beautiful flower garden, and he grew vegetables that made wonderful gifts for many of his children's teachers.

Tom was the consummate gentleman and carried his kind and gentle spirit into his last days. He handled his illness with characteristic grace, never failing to thank every person involved in his care. He was a gentle man and a gentleman always.

Tom is survived by his children Thomas Benjamin Snyder (Michelle), Winter Garden, FL; Mary Catherine Snyder, Denver, CO; and Laura Loaine Snyder, Columbus, GA; grandchildren Yasmin Snyder, Benjamin Snyder, Jr., and Annabelle Snyder. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Mary Shirah Hurley, and his longtime companion Sherida Brannan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Howard McCrum Snyder, III., Haverford, PA.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to The House of Mercy, 1532 3rd Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901; or Boys and Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley, 1700 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, GA 31906. https://www.bgc-colsga.org/

 

 

Below - Tom Snyder '64 and Mike Gerzso '64 on a trip to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.