William Howard Snowden

William Howard Snowden, age eighty-one, went to be with the Lord, on Thursday morning, August 3, 2023. Howard was born on February 12, 1942 in Winnsboro, Texas to Marice and John Desmond Snowden. He grew up in Combine and moved to Arlington in 1955, after his older brothers helped their father build their house in the Forest Park neighborhood. Howard attended Maxie Speer in eighth grade, Ousley Junior High and graduated from Arlington High School in 1960. He attended the Arlington State College, later known as the University of Texas at Arlington, after high school. In 1970, he married Sharon Wilhite from Ft. Worth at Polytechnic Baptist Church.

After his high school graduation, Howard sold Bibles and Christian books in the South. He also had his own photography business for a while, with his favorite subjects being people, flowers and nature. He was devoted to his community and the churches he attended. He worked for the Arlington Independent School District and for Woods Chapel Baptist Church in custodial services for many years before retirement.

Howard was a lover of the Lord and God’s word. One of his main goals throughout his life was seeking the will of God and sharing concern for others. His desire, even in his eighties, was to give the comfort of the Gospel to others, especially in nursing homes. In his later years, to that end, he joined the work of volunteering as a Gideon and counted it a joy. He has been described by so many who knew and loved him as a good man, a caring and faithful heart and a prayer warrior. He was a quiet, peaceful soul, who did not give up on others. He was a faithful husband who loved his wife; that commitment did not waiver, throughout every season of their lives together. Howard was dearly loved by his family and friends; he endeared himself to everyone he met and possessed a gentle spirit, often encouraging others with a smile. He has left a legacy of love behind in the hearts of those who hold him dear.

Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Snowden; his parents Marice and John Desmond Snowden; his siblings, Bob Snowden and Floris Snowden; his cousin, Nanette Flippo and husband Flip, and a nephew. Howard is survived by: his brother Dean Snowden and wife, Oleta; brother Bo Snowden and wife Margaret; sister Alice Cox and husband John, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and countless friends~ all of whom give thanks unto God for his life.

Donations may be made in Howard’s memory to the hospice organization, Community Healthcare of Texas (click here to donate now) or Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County (click here to donate now).