November 18, 2024, 73, Pikeville —
Jerry Snyder of Pikeville, NC, passed away in his sleep on Monday, November 18, 2024. After a long and courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy, Jerry is now free from suffering, in the eternal presence of his Heavenly Father. Jerry was born in Buffalo, New York on August 15, 1951, to the late Theodore Edward Snyder and Grace Elaine Davis Snyder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Benton.
Following his graduation in 1970, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 36 years. In his early years, “Chief” served as crew chief on B-52s flying combat missions in Vietnam. Flying was his dream, however, and through hard work and dedication, Jerry successfully cross-trained in in-flight refueling. He moved quickly up the ranks and was one of the youngest and longest-serving Chief Master Sergeants in US Air Force history.
Jerry was proudly stationed with the 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from 1990-2006, as the Chief Boom Operator for the KC-135. He had a passion for mentoring and was always looking for ways to invest in fellow service members. Jerry’s valor and skill were recognized with numerous decorations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and National Defense Service Medal.
Jerry loved his community and motorcycles, and proudly served with the Patriot Guard Riders in Goldsboro. The PGR ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring Fallen Military Heroes, Eligible Veterans, and First Responders. Jerry was also a member of the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association and helped to start the Neuse River Corvette Club.
Jerry was able to instantly connect with people and never met a stranger. His friendly and personable demeanor left an impact on many, even throughout the course of his illness when he never missed an opportunity to make his caregivers laugh or express his gratitude.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will follow at noon in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Maggie Highsmith; children, Kristen Thompson (Scott), and Mark Snyder (Anna); and step-children, Jacob Tittle (Rebecca), Dillon Tittle (Alexandra), and Paul Galeazzi; grandchildren, Charlotte Mae, Millie, Eloise, Mabel, Dorothy, Mary Florence, Sondra, Lillian, Isabella, Ana, and Cole; and sister, Bonnie Warren (Al). He is also survived by the mother of his children and dear friend, Debbie Snyder.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Patriot Guard Riders www.patriotguard.org or to www.DefeatMSA.org/donate-to-us/
