MURRELL’S INLET, SC -Fred M. Snyder, 92, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 27, 2020. Fred Snyder was born on May 10, 1928, in Laurens, SC to Willie Mae and Thomas Calvin Snyder. Fred’s life was substantially changed when he was recruited by Coach Babb to play high school football. He went on to become the captain of his high school football team and later earned a scholarship to play football in college. Following college, Fred obtained a Master’s Degree from Florida State University. He then became a high school football coach and teacher in Tallahassee, Florida.
In 1964, Fred co-founded Quality School Plan (QSP), a fundraising company, which later became a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Reader’s Digest, Inc. QSP raised millions of dollars through its programs to fund schools and youth group activities nationwide. As the President of QSP, Fred managed several hundred employees with wisdom, good judgment, and a great sense of humor. Fred retired in 1987, at the age of 58 and moved to Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet, SC with his wife, Joyce, and youngest daughter, Stacy.
Fred’s “whim of iron” led to many adventures and misadventures shared with family and friends. Fred enjoyed sailing, skiing, and most of all, golf. He also loved traveling, his dogs, and enjoying good times with family and friends. He often told jokes in his soft, Southern drawl that would make people laugh until they cried. In his words, he has “gone to that great golf course in the sky.”
Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce; his daughters Valerie Snyder Genet (Kate) of Dunedin, New Zealand, and Stacy Iamele (Anton) of Catonsville, MD; his sons Fred Snyder, Jr. (Bonnie) of Enoree, SC, and Bill Snyder (Susan) of Greenwood, SC; and his stepsons Randy Pittore and Brad Pittore of Murrell’s Inlet, SC. He leaves behind grandchildren Ian Snyder (Brandi), Celeste Woodard (Josh), Hendrix Snyder (Sally Jane), Domenic Iamele and Luca Iamele. In addition, he leaves behind four great-grandchildren. Fred’s much-loved stepdaughter Lisa Eberle and grandson Brad Klecha predeceased him but will always be remembered.
With the pandemic in mind, there will be a memorial party in the spring of 2021 or when it is safe to gather and celebrate Fred’s life. In the meantime, please take a moment and remember Fred; raise a glass, share a memory, or play a round of golf in his honor.