Snider, Richard

Dr. Richard Snider, 40, of Blacksburg, Va., went to be with his glorious Lord on Sunday, March 22, 2009. He will be sadly missed by his loving and precious son, Davis Lee Snider, of Blacksburg. Davis was the most important person in Richard’s life.

Richard was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Gladys and Hunter Lee; paternal grandfather, William Patton; and uncle, William Lee. He is survived by his mother and father, Nelson and Donna Snider; sister and brotherin-law, Lisa and Joe Via; brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Danielle Snider; paternal grandmother, Alveta Sally Patton; three adoring nieces, Adrianna Via, Brianna Via, and Erin Snider; as well as nephew, Dustin Snider; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and three special people in his life, Blaize, Mikayla, and Ayrton Rai.

Richard graduated from New Castle High School, received his bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy at Emory and Henry College, his master’s degree in special education and his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction / instructional technology from Virginia Tech. For 16 years he worked tirelessly on behalf of children with disabilities at the Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Tech. He was also instrumental in developing statewide data systems for the Virginia Department of Education.

Richard cared deeply about the mission of his work and the children who were impacted by these efforts. He will be greatly missed by the T/TAC family. Richard was a loving and thoughtful father, son, brother, grandson, uncle, friend, co-worker, and neighbor. Richard was loved by all who knew him and there is nothing that can ever fill the void that he has left, except the knowledge that he is walking with his Lord and can no longer be affected by the trials and tribulations of this earth.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009, at Paitsel Funeral Home, New Castle with the Reverend Jere King officiating. Interment will follow at Crossroads Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2009. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home. www.paitselfh.com