Mr. Harold Frederick Snipes

It is with deep sorrow that the Snipes family announces the death of Mr. Harold Frederick Snipes, 96. A graveside funeral service for Harold Frederick “Fred” Snipes, Sr., 96, will be held at Elim United Methodist Church in Lamar, South Carolina at 11 o’clock on Thursday, April 4, 2024. A visitation will follow the service. Pallbearers will be Fred’s grandsons, Scotty Parrott, Mel Norris, Gus Snipes, Michael Snipes, and Robert Herring along with nephew, Charlie Raines. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. Fred passed away at his home on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Born in Hartsville, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Elbert Jackson (EJ) and Irene Kelley Snipes. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Fred was a World War II Navy veteran in the Pacific Theatre and served on the USS Catfish submarine, the USS Nereus submarine tender, and the heavy cruiser, USS Fall River. He was honorably discharged in December 1946. Fred was very proud to have served his country and was a true American patriot. He was an entrepreneur and excelled in business from an early age. After serving his country, he began his own business, Snipes Used Cars. He was very successful in this business but saw the need in the Hartsville area for an auto parts store. In the early 60’s, he opened American Auto Parts. He was very proud of the success of this business, and it was the highlight of his business career. The joy of Fred’s (Daddy/Papa Fred/Poppy) life was his family. While there were many, he had a way of making each child, grandchild and in-law feel special. He knew every name and looked forward to their visits, especially on holidays at his home. Christmas was his favorite and he always had presents for everyone. A good time was had by all! Every Sunday afternoon he greeted the family in his large backyard. Whether a churn of ice cream or a cup of popcorn, there were always treats for everyone even though he never knew how many would be there. After retirement, Fred’s biggest hobby was his two-acre garden. He planted vegetables of every kind and provided them to all the family. It was great exercise for him and many times his doctor asked if he’d joined a gym as he was so fit. For many years, the 4th of July week was beach week and Papa Fred was at Ocean Lakes Family Campground with his RV. Lots of family stayed in the area as well and gathered for the big golf cart parade on the 4th and visits during the week. Papa Fred loved these summer weeks! Fred loved the Clemson Tigers! He accompanied family to football games for years beginning in the 70’s and continuing to recent years. It was always an all-day event, arriving early in the morning and staying until dark, no matter what time the game was played. Three of Fred’s children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Clemson graduates, and he couldn’t have been prouder! Fred is survived by his seven children, Gail Parrott of Hartsville, Lynne Norris of Chapin, Harold (Becky) Snipes of Hartsville, Mike Snipes of Hartsville, Cindy (Bryan) Herring of Lexington, Beth (Brad) Herring of Hartsville and Jamie (Kim) Snipes of Hartsville; grandchildren Dana Parrott, Scotty (Ricki) Parrott, Mel Norris, Jennifer Holleman, Gus (April) Snipes, Jessica (Matt) Rolfe, Stacy Parks, Michael Snipes, Robert (April) Herring, Emily (Ryan) Patrick, Sarabeth (Auston) Griggs and Caroline Herring; great-grandchildren Ashleigh (Thomas) Chaplin, Brooke Mixon, Cassie Carpenter, Landon Carpenter, Colby Parrott, Scottie Parrott, Tyler Norris, Tucker Norris, Brianna Holleman, Haley Holleman, Katie Snipes, Vena Snipes, Gus Snipes, Garris Rolfe, Sully Rolfe, Gracie Parks, Abigail Parks, Bret Parks, Brian Parks, Hayden Herring, Ava Herring, Baylee Patrick, Walker Patrick and Will Patrick; great great-grandchildren Graves Chaplin, Mary Ellis Chaplin and Celia Chaplin. He is also survived by three siblings, Sue Walters, Buzzie Snipes and Ronnie Snipes and a very special friend, Winnie Stokes and her daughter, Amanda Stokes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hazel Raines Snipes and sons-in-law, Scott Parrott and Wayne Norris, daughter-in-law, Wanda Snipes and grandson, Mikey Snipes. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Olive Newsome, Buck Snipes, Jane Easterling, Gerald Snipes, Dell Easterling, Pat Gainey, Sylvia Shepard, and Shirley Snipes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Darlington County Humane Society or the charity of your choice in memory of Harold Frederick Snipes, Sr.

Tributes

Mr. Harold Frederick Snipes

August 10, 1927 - March 31, 2024