Dr. Ralph James Sneed's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ralph?
Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ralph you’ll never forget.
How did Ralph make you smile?
