Russell Gaither Snipes, Jr., age 56, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer on August 2, 2017.
Russ was born January 28, 1961, in Fuquay-Varina to the late R. Gaither Snipes and Frances Clark Snipes.
Russ will be remembered most by his family for his culinary skills in the kitchen — perfecting and preparing his beloved grandmother’s favorite recipes — much to their delight. He was a gifted harpist, cherishing his golden Lyon-Healy harp and reflecting fondly on being F-V High School’s band major.
Upon graduation from Davidson College, Russ entered the army as an officer and concluded his service as an aide-de-camp to a Two-star general. San Francisco was his home for many years where he partnered in founding a successful venture capital company.
Returning to F-V, Russ channeled his energy into spearheading the town’s Anniversary Gala, advocating for animals and supporting the local SPCA, and becoming a skilled silversmith and calligrapher.
Russ is survived by his mother, Frances Clark Snipes; his sister, Jayne Elizabeth Wall and brother-in-law, Charles Wilson Wall; nieces and nephews, Keith Wall and Kelsey, Ryan Wall and Sara Grace; aunt, Rosalyn Snipes; and cousins, Betsy Snipes Griswold, Diane Snipes, Carville Banks Clark, and Gloria Clark Martin.
Memorials may be made to the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Online condolences can be left on thomasfuneral.com
Published in The News & Observer on Aug. 6, 2017