Perry Snell

Published courtesy of the Cordell Beacon

© Cordell Beacon

Perry Snell, 75, former Altus resident died Monday morning in Enid, Oklahoma. Services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 at the First Baptist Church in Altus with the Reverend Keith Wiginton officiating and Dr. Jeff Moore assisting. Arrangements are with Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus.

He was born on February 9, 1928 in Cordell, Oklahoma to Henry Dewitt and Faye Snell. At an early age the family moved to Vernon, Texas where he briefly attended school before moving to Altus. There he continued his education before graduating from Altus High School. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University and Altus Junior College

Perry was in the United States Navy serving on an oil tanker during the Korean War. He was a 32nd Mason and a founding board member of the Elks Club in Elk City, Oklahoma.

As a young child, he began working at United Supermarket, the company his father had founded in 1916. As a young man and long time Altus resident he grew up working for United in every department.

At the age of 15, during World War II, there was a shortage of managers so he was legally declared an adult so he could help manage the United store in Vernon. Later as a young adult he became the Store Manager at the South Main store in Altus. He would soon become President of the Company with its headquarters remaining in Altus. At the age of 35, he learned to fly an airplane so he could make the stores and get home quicker so that he could spend time with his family.

When he took over the stores from his father there were 12 stores in the state of Oklahoma. Today there are 26 supermarkets with over 1400 employees. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of United until his death.

He married Jackie Tims in 1948. They had two children, Ruth and Jay. In 1977 he married Sylvia Fox and she had two children David and Cynthia.

His hobbies included a variety of sports but he particularly enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia of the home in Enid, a daughter and son-in-law Ruth and Bill Starr of Altus, a son and daughter-in-law Jack and Becky Snell of Ponca City; a brother Jimmy Snell of Mountain Park; and two granddaughters, Tara Starr of Altus, and Calyn Snell of Norman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack Snell, and sisters Beatrice Pope, and Margaret Jones.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the church or charity of your choice.