Obituary of Burman Snider

Burman C. "Birdman" Snider, Jr. 58, of Roanoke passed away Friday April 29, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burman C. Sr., and Virginia F. Snider. From the time Burman was age 7, he boarded a train and spent his summers in upstate New York attending the Boys (JIM, Jesus Is Mine) Club. He often credited his summers at JIM for molding him into the man that he later beccome. He was a 1972 graduate of Northside High School and the Roanoke County Educational Center where he studied Machine Shop. (Now known as the Burton Center for Arts and Technology). His career as a machinist included working for Eaton Corporation, AMP, and at the time of his death he was employed by the Damon Company. Burman was a man of many interests. His hobbies included; riding his Harley, skydiving, playing guitar, and all types of music. The gift of music was one that he shared with his children and grandchildren. In additon to his hobbies, Burman was well read and politically active. He and his daughter worked tirelessly to have changes made in the Virginia Workers Compensation Regulations. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Mary Ann Burkholder Snider, daughters, Rebecca and Shawn Jessee and their children, Emily and Madison; Andrea and Mike Gentry and their children, Kelsey, Skyler, and Peyton; and Whitney Gail Snider; sisters and brother-in-law, Dennis and Loma Brooks; Sandra Midkiff; brother-in-law, George Burkholder (the brother he never had); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Amy and Steve Spangler ( who loved him like a brother too. Both were there daily to love and support him as he fought his battle); and his faithful companion of 13 years, his dog Vinnie. He is also survived by his many machine shop friends, and buddies, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to mention. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Kochenderfer, to the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, the staff on the 10th Floor Oncology Unit, the 7th Floor Specials Unit, Dr. Shay and nurse Linda (also known as Burmans' girlfriend) for the exceptional care they provided during his illness. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the SPCA 1340 Baldwin Avenue N.E. Roanoke, Virginia 24012. Funeral Services will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011 at St. Marks Lutheran Church by Pastor James Armentrout. Interment will follow in Huffman Family Cemetery, Craig County. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Funeral Home. 366-0707