Roger Lee Snell

Roger Lee Snell, 70, of Acworth, Georgia, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 3, 2025.

Roger was a devoted husband to Carolyn Snell, a loving father to Christopher and Michael, and a proud father-in-law to Kristen. To his granddaughters, Emmy and Amelia, he was known simply as “Papa”—a role he cherished in his later years.

Born on May 28, 1955, in Columbus, Georgia, Roger was raised by his mother, Ann, and her husband, Duel “Pete” Peterman. Their example shaped Roger’s lifelong values: duty, discipline, resilience, and curiosity.

Roger earned a degree in Fire Science and Chemistry in 1980 and began his career as a firefighter with the Phenix City Fire Department. He later served as a federal firefighter at Fort Benning from 1984 to 1998. From 1998 until his retirement in 2015, he led with distinction as Fire Marshal and Fire Chief at Fort McPherson in Atlanta and Fort Gordon in Augusta. Known for his deep technical knowledge and unwavering commitment to safety and service, Roger set high standards and led with integrity, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues and the departments he served.

Though reserved and contemplative by nature, Roger was someone others knew they could count on. He will be remembered for his steady presence, strong character, and quiet acts of love.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sons, Chris and Michael; daughter-in-law, Kristen; granddaughters, Emmy and Amelia; sister, Glayline Varner; niece, Jennifer Eberly (Dr. Matt Eberly); grandnieces, Lauren and Rachel Eberly; uncle (more like a brother), Jamie Sawyer; cousins, Brandi Pittmon and Sandi Vaughn; and brothers-in-law, Buddy and Calvin Powell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Phenix City, Alabama, where the Snells were active members as a young family from 1991 to 1997.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Phenix City.