Dr. Ralph James Sneed

Life Reflections Dr. Ralph James Sneed was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on July 31, 1946 to Dr. George Melvin Sneed, Sr. and Leola Sneed (Harris). He was the second oldest of five boys and had a strong bond with his brothers. Always remembered for his humility, good character and nobility, Dr. Sneed earned the nickname “Captain America” as an adolescent. At an early age, Dr. Sneed accepted Christ at Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church. He graduated from St. Louis University High School and was one of the first classes to integrate the school. Truly a “Man for Others,” he then attended the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, in just three years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded accommodations for his marksmanship and received the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) and exited at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned to school, where he obtained a Masters and Doctoral Degree in Psychology at St. Louis University. He met and married his beloved wife, Annette Sneed in 1983. They moved to the east coast where he managed rehabilitation centers in New Jersey. During that time, their children, Grant and Victoria, were born. He was proud to have a boy as his namesake and frequently stated that “he felt like he had won the lottery” when his daughter was born. They later relocated to Pennsylvania where Dr. Sneed was named the Head State Psychologist. He made a significant impact on the mental health field in both states, ensuring that mentally challenged residents received exceptional care, while in the care of state facilities. His work was so impactful that many colleagues followed him when he and his family relocated to St. Louis, where he managed the Bellefontaine Rehabilitation Center. Although he retired from this facility in 2005, Dr. Sneed is still known as one of its most beloved leaders and was formally honored at the 100 year celebration of service at Bellefontaine, this January (2024). After retiring from the state of Missouri, he founded Sneed Consulting Services and was named the Chief Psychologist for the prisons of the Eastern Region of the Missouri Department of Corrections. In this role, he led the mental health services at the following prison facilities in Missouri and Illinois: BonTerre, Charleston, Farmington and Vandalia. Dr. Sneed was in the process of writing a book about the life lessons he learned from counseling prisoners. During his time in the state penitentiaries, he shared the gospel and led several inmates to Christ. Dr. Sneed also educated many while working as an adjunct professor at St. Louis Community College. He had a gift for making people feel seen and cared for, which helped him excel in working with people in mental health, rehabilitation and prison facilities. Dr. Sneed was a charismatic presenter who captivated audiences with his public speaking abilities. Well-known for his ‘Sleepless in St. Louis’ presentation where he discussed mindfulness and wellness techniques–well before they became trendy, Dr. Sneed shared his knowledge, passion and expertise with audiences throughout the Human Services Industry. In addition to professional pursuits, Dr. Sneed was a devoted servant of Christ and committed his life to ministry as a Deacon and Church Trustee. As the Head Deacon, he mentored and ordained several Deacons, led church outreach events. He was passionate about education and demonstrated this by leading the Children’s Church Ministry at Memorial Tabernacle Baptist Church–currently known as the Christian Life Center–for more than 21 years. He was known for his favorite greeting, “God Bless You.” He developed the Saturday Boy’s Program to provide mentorship to church and neighborhood youth. Working with Deacon Marvin Wilson, this work successfully exposed them to God’s Word while engaging them in fun outings and career exploration. He was a lover of people and desired to usher as many to Christ as possible. One of his faithful actions was to work with the Outreach Ministry–standing outside on the sidewalks of busy streets waving signs and witnessing to passersby, frequently handing out cards that simply stated, “JESUS.” When he wasn’t building for the kingdom, Dr. Sneed enjoyed spending time with his family and relished each opportunity to celebrate his grandchildren. Dr. Sneed–affectionately known as their Papa–taught his grandchildren how to swim and devoted time to embed lifelong memories and values within them. He loved to travel, exercise and to experience nature. He was a left-handed genius and consummate gentleman who left a profound legacy. He will always be remembered and cherished in the hearts of his family, friends and acquaintances. His loved ones who preceded him in death include: his parents, Dr. George Sr. and Leola; brothers, George Jr., Roland and Rodney. On February 8, 2024, the Lord called him home. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving, devoted wife ~ Annette; a son ~ Grant (Christina); a daughter ~ Victoria (Marcus); six grandchildren ~ Dominic, Daiyonah, Cadence, Elliott, Angelica and Maxwell; brother ~ Robert; sisters-in-law ~ Margaret Redmond, Mary Wilson (Marvin) and Mildred Harper; godchildren ~ Eugene Eleson Kimbrough and Priya S. Anthony; special friends ~ Ed and Mary Ann Goodberlet and Otis Pitts; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

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Dr. Ralph James Sneed

July 31, 1946 - February 8, 2024