Bill Snowden

Billy Ray, "Bill", Snowden made his triumphant entry into glory on February 5, 2016. He was born in Georgetown, Texas, on May 26, 1939, to John George and Ruby Lee Snowden. His childhood there with his siblings Norma, John, Ben and Carra, has been a source of many wonderful, adventurous, and hilarious stories. He grew up working on his family's farm, exploring caves now known as the Inner Space Caverns, fishing and swimming in the San Gabriel River, and tearing up his big brothers' cars. He excelled in several sports, but his love was always basketball. Bill graduated in 1957 from high school and went on to play basketball at McMurry College, where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Science. During this time, Bill was also active in the Marine Reserves for 4 years. Although Bill planned to go to Physical Therapy School after graduation, the surprise birth of a daughter, later named Lori Denise, changed his plans. His son, Gregory Bill was born three years later. For the next few years, Bill coached the boys and girls varsity basketball teams as the head coach, assisted the varsity football team, and taught high school science in Wilson, Texas. Later, in 1964, he graduated from the Hermann School of Physical Therapy in Houston with a Bachelor of Science degree. Bill went to work as a Staff Physical Therapist with his cousin, Shelley Smith, at the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, intending to work there for one year and then move on to his next adventure. Thirty-one years later, The Rehab Center and the people it served had become his mission and serving people his passion. Throughout this time, Bill served as Chief of Physical Therapy, Vice President of Treatment Services, and Executive Vice President before succeeding Shelley as President. Bill's passion for helping patients and helping therapists become their very best were his motivation for teaching specialized techniques for treating patients with strokes at many Physical Therapy schools across the nation. He established the Rehab Center as a premier clinical education site for 20 universities, including one international university of Physical Therapy and also many Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy programs. As President, the Rehab Rancher Program that he established became an excellent and innovative source for fundraising. He developed many clinical programs at the Rehab which benefitted thousands of patients and continue on to this day. Moreover, Bill was instrumental in starting the Hardin-Simmons Physical Therapy School, which continues to positively impact the availability of physical therapists in this area today. Working jointly with President Lanny Hall to fulfill the dream of educating future therapists, Bill served on HSU's advisory committee as an advisor and interviewer of potential physical therapy students, until recently. After a year of retirement, Bill's passion for people led him to return to work, making a difference in patient's lives by working in home health and alongside his daughter, Lori, also a physical therapist, until just a year ago. For 50 years, Bill Snowden touched the lives of many through his practice of physical therapy and his love for people. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Master Sgt. Ben D. Snowden, a recent recipient of the nation's third highest award, The Silver Star, for his service in the Vietnam war, his beloved son, Gregory Bill Snowden, and a granddaughter, Kendra Frymire White. He is survived by a loving family, including his wife of 42 years, Bobbie; his daughter, Lori Frymire, and her husband, Tommy; grandsons, Jacob Snowden and wife Sara, Jarod Snowden and wife Jamie, Chad Frymire and wife Monica; granddaughters, Abby Frymire and Kristi Williamson, and her mother Terri, and 2 great granddaughters, Libby and Charlotte Frymire. Additionally, Bill is survived by his brother, John Snowden, and wife Pam of Georgetown, sisters, Carra Elkins and Tommy Stallworth of Austin, Norma Sutton of Austin, and brother-in-law, Paul Burns, Jr. of Clyde. He loved and was loved by many special nephews and nieces, cousins and friends that are family and his former patients. Bill never sat still. He loved working in his beautiful yard, entertaining friends, traveling, playing golf, fishing, water and snow skiing, planning Snowden reunions, hunting, archery, horseback riding, being his grandchildren's #1 sports fan and referee harasser. His trip of a lifetime was to Africa in 2006 for his 67th birthday. Bill adored his family. He loved being involved in his children's activities as a coach, sponsor, cheerleader, PTA President, Girl Scout cookie purchaser and consumer, and Boy Scout leader. Bill's home was always a popular hangout spot for friends of his kids and recently for his granddaughter's friends. Previously involved in Cactus Lions Club and a member at First Christian Church, Bill was a wonderful listener and loved keeping in touch with family, friends, former patients, and employees from his 31 years at the Rehab Center. His legacy in the field of Physical Therapy continues as his daughter, nephew, grandson and 3 granddaughters have followed in his footsteps. Bill lived each and every day to the fullest with an incredible and contagious sense of humor. He loved people, and they loved him right back. Billy Ray "Bill" Snowden leaves a very big space on this earth and in our hearts. He lived very well. He and his family are extremely appreciative of the love and care he received from new friends at Texas Oncology, Dr. Melnyk and staff ; and by Big Country Hospice from his old friends Dr. George Dawson, Dr. Carl Trusler and their gifted team. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 8, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, at Wylie United Methodist Church, 3430 Antilley Road, Abilene. He and his family request that memorials be made to one of the following in lieu of flowers: West Texas Rehabilitation Center and Big Country Hospice, 4601 Hartford, Abilene 79605; African Children Refugee Fund at College View Baptist Church, 2402 Anderson, Abilene 79603 First Christian Church, 1420 N. 3rd, Abilene 79601.