2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 268
Celebrating the life of Joseph Woodrow Snavely, Jr.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2025
WHEREAS, Joseph Woodrow Snavely, Jr., a distinguished citizen, accomplished professional, dedicated community servant, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on January 22, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely was born on July 22, 1947, and grew up in Marion; he demonstrated resilience and determination early in his life as a polio survivor in 1952 and maintained a lifelong commitment to health and fitness through running, cycling, softball, scuba, weekly cardio, and weight training; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely pursued higher education at Lees-McRae College and built a remarkable career as a master electrician, dedicating 44 years of service to Ashland, Inc., and Marathon Oil Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely was a man of many skills and talents, a dedicated professional, and a pillar of his community, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, service, and excellence; and
WHEREAS, a passionate and skilled craftsman, Joseph Snavely co-founded and served as president of the Greater Huntington Homebrewers Association in West Virginia, earning recognition as an award-winning homebrewer and founding the annual Blues and Brews Festival for the community to gather to enjoy local music and craft beer; and
WHEREAS, an avid chef and gardener, Joseph Snavely found great joy in preparing meals and sharing his culinary talents with family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and later Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served on the safety team and in its annual Christmas Eve meals program, serving and feeding more than 500 people in his community over the course of 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely was an active and accomplished marksman, a competitive firearms shooter, and a committed member of Eastern Kentucky Firearms and Archery; as a National Rifle Association-certified concealed carry instructor, Joseph Snavely achieved advanced combat handgun training through a Navy SEAL-led program, demonstrating his commitment to firearms education and safety; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely was first married to Marsha Poole, with whom he shared many years of his life and raised two children; in later years, he found love again with his devoted wife, Parker, with whom he shared a home filled with joy; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Snavely will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Parker; his children, Shayne and Tracie; his grandchildren, Tyson and Ryder; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph Woodrow Snavely, Jr., a highly admired member of his community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph Woodrow Snavely, Jr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.