Deacon Ralph William Snelling

Obituary For Deacon Ralph William Snelling

Ralph William Snelling was born on January 22, 1941, in Palm Beach County, Florida, to the late Kainey William Snelling and Katie McIvery King. On Sunday, December 22, 2024, Ralph peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord. Ralph spent his early years in Bowling Green, Florida, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. During his teenage years, his family relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Following his education, Ralph proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country with dedication and honor for eight years. After his military service, he built a successful career and retired from Target Corporation and FedEx Express. Ralph lived a full and vibrant life. For over 50 years, he passionately competed in bowling leagues and tournaments, forging lasting friendships and countless memories. He cherished peaceful moments fishing and eagerly anticipated Friday nights spent playing pinochle with friends. Saturdays were his time to relax and enjoy the soulful sounds of the blues, a genre that resonated deeply with him and brought him great joy. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Jerome Larry Snelling. “Bobby” Snelling, Marion Hodges, and Ralph is survived by his wife Rita Dumas Snelling, and his cherished sister, Linda Snelling of Miami, FL, who held a special place in his heart. His five children—Ella Phillips of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Kevin Snelling of Orlando, FL; William Snelling (Sandra) of Memphis, TN; Donald W. Holmes, Sr. (Dr. Erica) of Southaven, MS; and Yvonne “Dee” Horton of Memphis, TN. Ralph was a proud grandfather to Jedarian “Bubba” Snelling, Jade Fenner (Calvin), Gera Snelling, Donald Holmes Jr. (Taylor), Jaylyn Snelling, Jocelyn Holmes, Jonathan Holmes, Vaughn Horton, and Yva Rucker. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Serenity Snelling, Journee Snelling, Phoenix Grace Fenner and Nina Fenner. His extended family includes sisters-in-law Dorothy Snelling of Fairbanks, AK, Georgia Dumas Whiting of Fayetteville, GA, and brother-in-law, George Dumas, Jr., of Atlanta, GA. Ralph is also fondly remembered by his aunts, Betty Snelling of Bowling Green, FL, and Bertha Jones of Tampa, FL., dear friend Sheila Coleman and godsons Law Wilcher, Sr. and Andre Harmon. Ralph’ s life was a testament to faith, love, and service, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. The wake for Ralph Snelling will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly, located at 8941 E. Shelby Drive. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12:00 noon, also at Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly, 8941 E. Shelby Drive.