Raeford Eugene Snow

Raeford Eugene Snow, 94, of Winston-Salem passed away October 26th at Trinity Elms Skilled Nursing in Clemmons, NC.

He was born on December 20, 1928, in Forsyth County, to John "Orville" and Janie Holland Snow. Being the oldest son when his father died, Raeford, age 12, began many after school jobs to help his family. Eventually dropping out of school, he went to work for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company at age 16. One day on a lunch break, Raeford went to a local department store to meet Martha Lucille Holleman, the niece of a coworker. Raeford and Lucille fell in love and married on Oct. 6, 1950. The couple made their home in Winston-Salem where they joined Friedland Moravian Church. They soon started their family with the birth of Carolyn, followed by Shirley and Alan.

Raeford worked hard to provide for his family. He stressed the value of an education that he was unable to obtain. He was so proud see all of his children graduate from college. Later, after retiring in 1983 with almost 39 years of service, Raeford went back to school and received his GED. He then worked 5 years part-time providing security at Arbor Acres Retirement Community. Raeford volunteered many hours at Forsyth Hospital, as well countless hours assisting in the science classroom of his son, Alan. Raeford often accompanied his son to Laurel Ridge Summer Camp in Laurel Springs, NC as a volunteer, where he earned the loving name of "Grandpa Nature" by the campers and staff. Before being hindered by poor health, Raeford was able to enjoy cruises, Walt Disney World trips, and many beach trips. Raeford loved the Atlanta Braves, and was a WS Dash season ticketholder. He loved to read, listen to bluegrass music, and eat hotdogs and ice cream. Most of all he loved his family.

Raeford was preceded in death by his parents and his wife; as well as a daughter, Shirley Reynolds; brothers, Curtis Snow, Willard Snow, and Kenneth Snow; and sisters, Betty Thompson and Rachel McGee, and Ivey Smith.

Surviving him is a daughter, Carolyn (John) Bowling; a son, Alan Snow; grandchildren, Scott (Kelli) Bowling, Jay (Susan) Bowling, Tracy Rae (Mike) Meginnis, and Chris (Jessica) Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas, Caroline, Aiden, Kendall, Ryan, and Salem; one brother, David Snow, and one sister, Thelma (Bruce) Fulp. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 Monday, November 6th at Friedland Moravian Church with the Reverend John G. Rights officiating. Burial will follow at the church graveyard. The family will receive friends beginning at noon in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friedland Moravian Church, 2750 Friedland Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 or to Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center, 124 Pendry Lane, Laurel Springs, NC 28644.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers at Trinity Elms Skilled Nursing and Trellis Supportive Care.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.