OAK ISLAND — After a courageous battle with cancer, Rex Orland Sneed, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Oak Island, N.C., Monday, March 6, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Rex was born in Black Mountain March 24, 1933, to John Henderson Sneed and Elsie Champion Sneed, the youngest of 13 children.
Rex is survived by his wife and soulmate of 60 years, Katherine Bailey Sneed; sons, David (Betsy) of Durham N.C., and Gary (Denise); grandson, Collin of Simpsonville, S.C.; and older brother, John Clayton Sneed, and older sister, Calli Mitchell Burleson, both of Black Mountain, N.C.
Rex was a very loving husband and father, and family meant everything to him. His life was a shining example of truly living the Ten Commandments. He served his country in the U.S. Army in Germany at the end of World War II.
He was a machinist by trade and also owned and managed several businesses. In his later years, he became an accomplished craftsman and created masterpieces he loved giving to his physicians, family and friends. Rex loved traveling, NASCAR racing, and Carolina basketball and football. He also really loved his two cats and three grand-dogs.
The family would like to thank Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their loving care and support and Bright Star Care for their helpful service.
A memorial service to celebrate Rex’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at the chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US 70 Hwy, Black Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Rex’s memory to your local ASPCA.
Online condolences may be made at peacocknewnamwhite.com.