LTC (RET) Bryant Samuel "Sam" Sneed III
Born: January 9, 1940 Died: June 3, 2017

The family of LTC (RET) Bryant Samuel "Sam" Sneed III, regretfully announces his passing on Saturday, June 3rd, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Riverview, Florida. Sam was a decorated veteran of the United States Army Infantry, a successful business owner, and loving husband, father and friend. Bryant S. Sneed III was the son of Bryant S. Sneed Jr. and Leah Cole, and was known as "Little Sammy" back in Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he was born and raised throughout his formative years. Even as a young child, he had dreams of being a soldier, so his mother, fashioned him a uniform when he was just a toddler. Although Sam would graduate from high school in Pontiac, Michigan, he would return to North Georgia to attend military college and start his career as an Army officer. Sam was a proud graduate of North Georgia College, were he laid a legacy for his children and met his best friend of 59 years, Verne Smith. Following his commissioning into the US Army, Sneed was stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he met and fell madly in love with his wife of 53 years; Patricia Williford of Norfolk, Virginia. Sam was the proud father of three children, Kathy, Jackie and Bryant, and an even more proud grandfather to their children; Kristen, Michael, Josh, Maeleah, Ailish, Addison and Sarah. He loved his sons and daughter in love like his own and was grateful for Chris Shalosky, Tom Lynch and Peg (Allen) Sneed. LTC Sneed retired from military service after 24 years, having served two combat tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces, and a Purple Heart. He also earned the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement during combat, but Sam would tell you his greatest accomplishment during his first tour was the birth of his eldest daughter, Kathy. LTC Sam Sneed mentored countless soldiers through his leadership commands and friendship, and many would say they are better because of him. Following his retirement from the US Army, Sam embarked on another career as small business owner and entrepreneur. Once again, he found success in another dream; his many bar and restaurant ventures as well as in the janitorial industry. In business, as he had in the military, Sam influenced and affected many lives through his generosity and friendship. Dozens of employees looked to him as a father figure, a part which he happily played when needed. Although we are saddened by the loss of our father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and great love, we are overjoyed that Sam is with our Lord and Savior in Heaven watching over us. Bryant S. Sneed III, aka Sam, is survived by his wife, Patricia Williford Sneed of Wimauma, Florida; daughter Katherine Sneed Shalosky and her husband Chris of Riverview, Florida; daughter Jacqueline Sneed Lynch and husband Thomas of Columbus, Georgia; son Bryant S. Sneed IV and wife Peg of Columbus, Georgia; grandchildren Kristen Shalosky of Denver, Colorado; Michael Shalosky of Brandon, Florida; Joshua, Ailish, Addison and Sarah Lynch and Maeleah Sneed all of Columbus, Georgia; brother John Sneed and his wife Sharon of Henderson, Nevada; brother in law Sherman Williford and his wife Cindy of Peterstown, West Virginia; and brother in law Doug Williford and wife Cathy of Marco Island, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Fisher House to support military families of injured soldiers at https://www.fisherhouse.org/ .