Harry Lynn Snider

Harry Lynn Snider, 82, of Little Rock, passed away on March 17, 2013 from complications of pneumonia. He was born in Little Rock to the late Harry and Maureen Snider. He was a graduate of Little Rock Catholic High School, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the LSU Banking School of the South and Northwestern University School of Bank Marketing. While at Fayetteville, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was also a member of the Serra Club and the Country Club of Little Rock. He was a Vice President at the First National Bank of Little Rock (currently Regions Bank), President of the Mississippi Valley Title Insurance Company, and Vice President of the Federal Home Loan Bank. He was an accomplished athlete, having won multiple tournaments and championships for tennis, including the Arkansas State Tennis Doubles Championship, and was a skilled golfer. But Harry's greatest passion in life was music. He had a true knack for it, distinguishing himself at a young age by winning the American Idol competitions of his day. Playing his accordion, Harry thrilled national radio audiences with his skill, leading to a win on both the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and Horace Heidt Talent Competitions. This earned him the nickname, "Sqeezebox Snider." Such achievement was typical of her husband, according to wife Terry Snider. Reflecting on his once-in-a-lifetime experience as a "guest co-pilot" with the Thunderbirds Precision Flying Team, she stated, "Even the sky was no limit for Harry." While in the military, Snider's keen understanding of harmonies landed him a leadership role as the arranger for the United States Marine Corp Band in San Diego, in which he also served as a soloist. After retirement, Harry returned to the keyboard as a second career playing piano professionally in local jazz venues and private events. Reflecting on his masterful ability to improvise, former agent and lifelong friend Jim Porter Jr. said, "He could play all around a song without losing the melody." Former editor of the Atlantic Monthly and good friend, William Whitworth, agreed. "He had a deep harmonic knowledge, good taste and great enthusiasm. Harry was a gifted musician." A man of deep religious conviction, Harry was a member of Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church where he served as a lector. He lived his life to be the perfect gentlemen, showing the kindness and generosity that garnered the respect, loyalty and friendship of those both young and old. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Terry Fetzek Snider, two sons: Scott Snider (Dr. Melody) of Boise, Idaho and Chris Snider (Carrie) of Little Rock; two brothers, Dr. Tom Snider (Libby) of Baltimore, Md. and John Snider of Phoenix, Ariz. and one sister, Mary Griffin of Chicago, Ill.; mother-in-law, Virginia Fetzek of Little Rock and brother-in-law, Dr. Joe Fetzek of Boise, Idaho; sisters-in-law, Cathy Fetzek of Little Rock and Ginny Shirley (Doug) of Dallas, Texas and Margaret Snider (Phoenix). A visitation will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home with a Rosary to follow at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church on Thursday, March 21 at 11 a.m. with Father Phillip Reaves as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carmelites Nuns 7201 West 32nd Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 (501) 565-5121. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.