Mr. Collins Snyder, 94, husband of the late Joanna George and beloved by his family, died Feb. 23, 2021, of natural causes. He is survived by his committed partner of the past seven years, Patricia Moody; as well as his sons, George, Baird, and Henry; and grandchildren, Laura, Charlie, Harry, Baird, Kate, Helen, Scott, George, and Lizzie.
Collins was the son of the late Lydia C. Nichols and the late Baird Snyder III. He was born in Westfield, N.J., on Dec. 21, 1926, which, according to his mother, was the most important day of the year. Collins attended the Wardlaw School, Washington Friends School, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where he was the senior graduate in the first class. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega.
Collins enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 during the second world war. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1950, he served on submarines, including the Pom-Pom. While living in Norfolk in the late 1950s, he helped start the Republican party there, after witnessing the denial of voting rights to minorities. On the Eastern Shore of Virginia, he was president of Shore Savings and Loan Association for many years, where he enjoyed making it possible for people to own a home. He was also the owner and principal broker of Shore Properties. He and his family restored and lived in Seymour House, circa 1791, in Accomac.
Collins received his nickname, Shatzie, meaning “little dear,” from his German nursemaid, Hanna Weekman. His legendary sweet tooth was the result of being allowed behind the counter at the local bakery, which was owned by Hanna’s friend.
A private memorial service was held at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Pungoteague. A public service will be held at a later date. Donations are suggested to the Eastern Shore SPCA in memory of Mei Ling and Zoe. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 38, Craddockville, VA 23341.
Arrangements by the Williams Funeral Homes, www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
