Albert Earl Snowden, a resident of Lake City for the past forty-eight years, left this world for his heavenly home on Thursday, December 15, 2016, surrounded by his loving family at the Haven Hospice Care Center in Lake City, where he had received care for the past twelve days. He was 82 years old.

His passing ended a long, hard-fought battle with heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson's disease.  Earl was born on May 20, 1934, in Folkston, Georgia to parents, Frank S. Snowden and Katheoline Nettles Snowden.  His parents, his brothers Ernest, Dennis, Dean and Charlton Snowden and grandson Christopher Michael Snowden all preceded him in death.

He eloped with and married the love of his life, Mary Leuvon Davis on December 7, 1954 at 1 a.m. in Quartzsite, Arizona.  Earl and Mary returned to Folkston, Georgia and began their family, later moving to Fernandina Beach, Florida for thirteen years before finally settling in Lake City in the fall of 1972.   They raised four productive children whom all call Lake City their home.  Together, Earl and Mary reached a significant milestone on December 7, 2016, when they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.  As a testament to their love, Mary never left his side through all his illnesses and had been his primary caregiver for many, many years.  Earl was a hard-working family man who loved his wife and family dearly.  His favorite times were those, when all the family was together (especially if good food was involved).  He enjoyed bluegrass, country and gospel music and in his younger days (before Parkinson's disease made it difficult) he enjoyed playing his guitar and banjo.  Many a Sunday afternoon was spent with his brothers on the front porch of his parents' home playing and singing together.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary L. Snowden, his beloved dog "Baby" and his four loving children Debbie L. Dawsey (Freddie), David E. Snowden (Louise), Larry A. Snowden (Debbie) and Brenda K. Wise (Kelly) all of Lake City.  From these children, he was blessed with eight grandchildren: Colt Snowden (DeAnna), Holly Hanover (Ruark),  Casey Bopp (Trevor), Joshua Wise (Samantha), Rachel Snowden, Chance Snowden (Ashlee), Callie Brickert (Daniel) and Juliana Snowden.  All grandchildren live in Lake City with the exception of Casey who lives in Gainesville, FL.  These grandchildren added to his legacy by blessing him with nine great-grandchildren:  Hope Hanover, Kaden Snowden, Tucker Snowden, Easton Hanover, Carter Snowden, Caroline Snowden, Cason Bopp, Cassidy Snowden, Denver Brickert and Blaine Wise.  He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, two sisters, Shirley Snowden and Annie Lee Snowden and one brother, Marvin Snowden (June), all of Folkston, Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews.  Heaven has gained a good man who will be truly missed by everyone who loved him.

"Dear Lord, not our will, but yours.  Into your hands we commend the beautiful spirit of this child of God.  We pray that you prepare a place for him now in your heavenly kingdom.  Amen."

Services will be held in the chapel, at Gateway Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Lake City on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with family friend, Larry Simmons, officiating. Interment will following Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time (10:00 am – 11:00 am) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Epiphany Catholic School or Haven Hospice, both in Lake City. Arrangements have been placed under the care of GATEWAY FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. U.S. HWY 441, Lake City, Florida 386-752-1954. Please sign the online guest book at www.gatewayforestlawn.com