Lexington's Snyder transcended generations
{Contributed photo/Elizabeth Lancaster}
When news broke the morning of Sunday, September 12, that Lexington Senior High School (LSHS) Hall of Famer, Jimmy Snyder, had passed at the age of 76, the tributes flooded social media almost instantly. There were comments from people who remembered him during their childhood years. There were posts from people who remembered him during their teenage years. And there were statuses from people who remembered him later in their adult lives.
A common thread was evident that day: Snyder had lived a life that impacted multiple generations for over seven decades. From inside of his home to various events around town and many spots in between, the towering 6’7” Snyder left a trail of wisdom, support and dedication.
Chad Griffith was on the receiving end of Snyder’s giving. On Facebook, he shared fond memories of his time spent with Snyder during his childhood years.
“First thing that comes to mind is when I was a kid and he would be playing golf at Sapona [Country Club] in the evening. Our house was on the fourteenth tee and I would see Mr. Snyder on 13 dressed in the clothes he wore to court or the office. As soon as I saw him teeing off, I would go in and yell to my parents, ‘Jimmy Snyder is coming up to play the back nine. Can I ask him if it’s okay if I play the last five holes with him? Then he can give me a ride back home.’ My parents always said yes. I remember the wonderful discussions we had about all aspects of life and will forever cherish those memories.”
Snyder’s jersey and other memorabilia are housed in a trophy case at LSHS. {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
A 1963 graduate of LSHS, Snyder’s accolades include student body president, appearances in state championship tennis matches and captain of the football team. Most notably, Snyder is heralded for his dominance on the basketball court where he remains one of only two LSHS players to have their numbers retired. Snyder was a member of the school’s inaugural athletic hall of fame class in 2013. He was inducted into the Davidson County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Snyder attended Wake Forest University on a basketball scholarship. He graduated with a bachelor’s in history in 1967 and with honors from Wake’s law school in 1970. After graduation, he returned to Lexington and practiced law with his father. When his father passed unexpectedly, he finished his father’s unexpired term in the North Carolina Legislature from 1971-72. Additionally, he entered a few political races including NC Lieutenant Governor and US Senate. Snyder served as a board of director for various community organizations throughout the years.
Despite his many civic commitments, the author of 19 books was consistently a fixture at LSHS athletic contests. Ronnie Beverly, a fellow member of the hall of fame and athletic director at LSHS, remembered seeing Snyder frequently at their alma mater during the mid-1980s.
“Courtney [Snyder’s oldest daughter] and I were classmates. I would see him all the time. I didn’t have a lot of interaction with him [at that time] but he was always pleasant. He would always have something encouraging to say.”
When Beverly returned to LSHS, his relationship with Snyder changed as they interacted more.
“His grandson and granddaughter were student-athletes here [at LSHS]. He would attend all their contests whether it was football, basketball, swimming or tennis. He was always visible and positive and contributed through the Booster Club. He was a good person.”
Will Lancaster, Snyder’s oldest grandson, echoed Beverly’s sentiments. He recounted how his grandfather’s calm demeanor had an encouraging effect on others.
“Papa had a knack for always knowing when someone was having a bad day. Because of the combination of his occupation and always being at a ball game, he was constantly in contact with people of all ages. He related to everyone regardless if he knew your name. His sincerity was noticed by all ages and loved by everyone.”
In 1995, an exceptional group of young men was privileged to be on the receiving end of his genuine kindness. Snyder was a volunteer assistant coach for the LSHS boys’ basketball team. After a last second put back secured Lexington’s second state 2A championship, the team returned to town and received a rousing welcome from fans. Michael Evans-Bey, a manager for the team, has never forgotten the Sunday School teacher’s additional celebration gesture.
“He had a big, first-class dinner for our basketball team. He treated us like family at his home. He loved basketball and his family. He treated everyone with respect. Coach was a first-class type of guy!”
A picture of the LSHS’ 1995state championship winning team hangs in the gym at the school. Snyder, a volunteer assistant coach, is on the back row (first from the left). {Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
For Elizabeth Lancaster, Snyder’s daughter, bearing witness to his humanitarianism was common.
“Everything my dad did was with 100 percent commitment, respect and kindness. He loved tenderly, treated everyone respectfully with a genuine concern for the well-being of others. His role as a father and grandfather was no exception. My dad was, without a doubt, the most perfect Daddy and Papa a child could dream of. He was always available to each of us. He made us feel special and was quick to identify our God-given gifts. We’ll forever cherish the love he poured into us while he was here. Now that he is in heaven, that love continues to thrive through an amazing legacy he left behind.”
As Lexington adjusts to Snyder’s physical presence being absent throughout town, Evans-Bey summed up his influence in a few words.
“He was a living legend for our city!”
