George William 'Bill' Snyder, Jr., 79

'To a l ife s haped b y s plit s econds—each one defining a man of legacy, character, and love.” - with love from your family, your students, your brothers in arms, and all those who walked beside you. George William “Bill” Snyder, Jr., 79, of Long Pine, passed away on June 15, while on one last ride in his beloved hot rod. Born in Torrington, Wyo., on September 2, 1945, Bill embodied the character of his hometown, Brule, —humble, hardworking, and dependable—into every chapter of his life. A standout athlete in high school and a well-known town troublemaker, he was fortunate to marry his high school s weetheart, Carol L . (Shade) S nyder, o n J uly 1 0, 1 966. A “split-second decision,” as he’d say, that would define and bless the rest of his life. Bill served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, as a member of the 9th Infantry Division’s Mobile Riverine Force ('River Rats'), Company D, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry. He received numerous honors for his service, including two Purple Hearts, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. His reflections on the war—and the choices that shaped his life—were captured in his memoir Split 2nd, a testament to the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. Upon his r eturn home, B ill s tudied a t a nd g raduated f rom t he University of Nebraska–Lincoln. During this time, he found his professional calling in education. Over a 30+ year career as a teacher in Lincoln, he helped shape the minds and trajectories of countless students—offering not only knowledge, but kindness, respect, and a relentless belief in every underdog. A m an of m any h obbies, B ill was a n a vid fisherman a nd c lassic c ar enthusiast. He cherished the simple joys of trolling for walleye or perfecting a polished chrome detail. Bill's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of n early 5 9 y ears, C arol; t heir d aughter, E rica R ose Snyder-Wassinger, of Omaha; and his g randsons, C arroll Richard (9) and S nyder W illiam ( 7), w ho w ill g row u p c arrying h is s tories a nd strength forward. Though B ill w as a n only c hild, h e b ecame e xceptional at b uilding a chosen family. His lifelong friend and “brother from another mother,” John Frates, and the late Deb Frates of Brule, along with their children Niki, Anne, and Mike, were not just friends—they were simply known as family. He is also survived by extended family members Jack and Charlotte Shade of Eaton Rapids, Mich., FJ Shade of Omaha, and Gail Snyder of Torrington, Wyo., and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews who admired his steady presence and cherished humor. Bill and Carol made their home across the Midwest throughout their marriage—including Ogallala, South Sioux City, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Fountain Hills, Ariz.; and finally Lincoln, where they raised Erica and eventually retired to Long Pine in 2005. Memorial s ervices w ill b e h eld at a l ater d ate. I n l ieu o f f lowers, donations can be made in Bill’s honor to the Brown County Ambulance Association or the Long Pine Volunteer Fire Department.