William Baldwin Axford Snyder, 92, of Surf City, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at his home.

Born in Morristown, NJ of April 25, 1922, he was the son of the late James Irving and Mabel Clymer Snyder. He joined the US Army in 1940, where he served in WWII as a member of A Company First Engineer Combat Battalion in the First infantry, known as the Big Red 1, starting in Africa under the command of General Patton. He received an honorable discharge in August 1944 and was awarded a Purple Heart for his actions as a soldier. He was a frequent participant in his unit and battalion reunion over the years following his service. Following a career in transportation in Greensboro, he and his wife bought a motel in Surf City and reopened it at the Island Harbor Inn and Grill and operated it for many years.

Surviving are a son, Kevin Snyder and wife Kimberly of Surf City; two daughters, Kitty Snyder Davidson and husband Tom of Bradenton, FL, Sherry Snyder of Surf City; four grandchildren, Mark Lashley, Madison Snyder, Kelley Johnson and husband Luke, Jennifer Williams and husband Derek; and two great-grandchildren, Cole Johnson and Elayna Williams. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Jewel Belton Snyder; a son, William Baldwin Axford Snyder, Jr.; and a sister, Bette Snyder Glaab.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 16, 2014 from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm at The Gathering (Surf City Baptist Church) followed by the funeral service to begin at 12:30 pm with Reverends Bobby Owings and Danny McLamb officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Pallbearers will be Mark Lashley, Luke Johnson, Derek Williams, Major Giles Walger, Barry Ritter, and Lt. Justin Forsberg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans of the First Engineer Combat Battalion Fund; 216 Sheridan Street; North Easton, MA 02356The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 16, 2014 from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm at The Gathering (Surf City Baptist Church) followed by the funeral service to begin at 12:30 pm with Reverends Bobby Owings and Danny McLamb officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.