robertmackayclan

(From The Winchester Star dated Monday August 8, 2005 with corrections by Michael L. McKay.)


Joseph Michael Snyder, 10, of Augusta, W.Va., died Friday, Aug. 5, 2005, in Childrens National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

Joseph was born Sept. 15, 1994, in Winchester, the son of Brian Keith McKay and Amanda Snyder.

He was a student at Romney (W.Va.) Elementary School and participated in the Special Olympics program in Hampshire County, W.Va.

Surviving with his father, of Winchester, and his mother, of Augusta, are a brother, Joshua Snyder and a sister, Brianna Snyder, both at home; a half-brother, Andrew McKay of Winchester; his stepfather, Matthew Combs, at home; maternal grandparents, Ricky and Dora Snyder of Romney, W.Va.; paternal grandfather, Dearing Parr McKay of Frederick, Md.; paternal grandmother, Joy Vickers of Moorefield, W.Va.; paternal step-grandparents, Roy and Roxie Combs of Augusta; maternal great-grandfather, James Kenneth Clyburn of Stephens City; maternal step-great-grandfather, Chuck McCallister of Manassas; paternal great-grandparents, George and Bertha Tasker of Winchester; and paternal great grandmother, Frances Seekford of Winchester.

A funeral will be 11 a.m. today at McKee Funeral Home, Augusta, with Pastor John Ward officiating. Burial will be in Ebenezer Cemetery, Romney.

Pallbearers will be James Snyder, Jason McKay, Travis Combs, Adam Snyder, Timmy Snyder, and Jason Judy.

(A letter to the editor posted in The Winchester Star on Thursday August 11, 2005.)

I wanted to write and send my condolences to the family of Joseph M. Snyder, who died Aug. 5. He was not only a young boy, but an angel in disguise.

Throughout the time he was ill, he never complained or uttered an unkind word. Or, if he did, he would follow it by saying, "I'm sorry."

He lived his life always putting others first and worrying about those he loved. He loved his family and told them so, many times.

He was quite the entertainer when he was much younger and would sing with the radio or CDs. He loved the song, "I Believe I Can Fly." He was a young man with a heart bigger than himself and asked for very little in return.

I truly believe he is an angel and has now gotten his wings. God bless the family and may you find peace and healing for your loss.