Kenneth Harold Snyder Jr.

Kenneth Harold Snyder Jr., affectionately known as Mickey, peacefully passed away at the age of 84 on July 9, 2024, in Knoxville, TN after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Mickey was the son of the late Kenneth Harold Snyder Sr., a WWII veteran, and Flora Snyder. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald A. Snyder (Jerry), and is survived by his uncle, William Snyder (Bill), aged 97, Knoxville, TN.

He attended West High School where he excelled in sports and was honored as one of the top fifty athletes in the school's history. He also played for the Knoxville Bears, a semi-professional football team. Coaching football, baseball, and basketball for school-aged children brought him extraordinary joy, especially strategizing plays to surprise his teams’ opponents.

In 1958, he married his beloved wife, Lana Sue Hinds (Tootie), and together they raised three children. He was a devoted father and cherished his role as a grandfather to four grandchildren and one great-grandson. Mickey began his career with the Knoxville Police Department in 1962, serving with dedication and integrity until his retirement as a Captain in 1993. He took immense pride in his contributions to the Police Assistance Program.

The devotion to his family knew no bounds. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lana Sue Snyder, his daughter Tracey Podsobinski and husband Dan of Tellico, TN, his daughter Kristie Ogle and wife Jennifer of Dallas, TX, and his son Kenneth H. Snyder III and wife Kiersten of Knoxville, TN. He was deeply loved by his grandchildren: Natalie Cannon Traver and husband Doug of Knoxville, TN, Isabel Anna Snyder of Baltimore, MD, Kenneth Hudson Snyder of Knoxville, TN, and Jacob C. Ogle of Dallas, TX, as well as his great-grandson, Dunlap Traver III.

Throughout his life, he embodied respect, harmony, compassion, and empathy. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his genuine desire to help others and his ability to inject humor into any situation, making everyone feel valued and comfortable. His genuine concern for others and kindness proved him to be a beloved figure in both his personal and professional circles. The family wishes to acknowledge the many uncles, aunts, and cousins, deceased, and survived, that wrapped their loving arms around him and provided a playbook for success. He was a notable example of how a family takes care of itself in the face of adversity. We also extend a heartfelt gratitude to the Zion Cornerstone Church family and to the Bearden Christian Church, where he served as the last resolute Deacon for the historic church in Bearden. We express deep appreciation to his wonderful neighbors and healthcare professionals, including Jaquaea Taylor, Amedysis, Hospice, and Always Best Care, for their exceptional care and compassion during his final months.

A celebration of life honoring Kenneth H. Snyder Jr. (Mickey) will be held at Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City, TN, on July 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., officiated by Dr. Tommy Smith.