Birth date: May 6, 1936 Death date: Dec 23, 2025
J.S. “Jay” Snell, age 89, of Livingston, Texas, passed away on December 23, 2025, at 5:16 p.m., surrounded by his family. Jay was born on May 6, 1936, to Mary Lenora Snell and John Samuel Snell, both of whom preceded him in death Read Obituary
I remember at many Snell reunions my Uncle JS would say a blessing for the meal, this was usually at Easter time or in the fall when we met at a park. I miss those times. One thing I heard him say, “This is only a stopping place folks” and it puzzled me as a kid but my mother told me one day you’ll understand and she was right.
May the Lord bless you until we meet again!
Brenda Cotten (Exie Snell Cotten, my mom and Jay’s sister)
I have so many precious memories of my sweet wonderful Uncle Jay. He was such a role model to many with his kind heart and love for the Lord. Uncle Jay was full of class, highly intelligent and yet he would give you his complete attention when speaking to you. He made me feel special and unique. Two years ago he said these very words to me. I loved him as an Uncle, but also as a Pastor. He married me and Gary in 1988 and I love that he is in my wedding photos forever. I post them every year on fb. I was blessed to attend his church as a child and as an adult with my husband in 2008. That year was such a blessing to me in many ways. His teachings and books are still a blessing to read. He let me help with the children’s youth and also to have prayer meetings that I will always be grateful for. I have many of my most wonderful childhood memories with Uncle Jay and my Aunt Edrie Lee with their two daughters Tonya and Terri that I hold dearly to my heart! I will miss my sweet Uncle so much. I know he is with the Lord and enjoying those streets of gold walking with our precious Lord. I will see him again! Love you Uncle Jay forever! Love Celeste & Gary Pangarakis
When my parents, Austin and Exie Cotten, were having problems in their marriage I gave them an anniversary party in 1988 and Uncle Jay spoke there with a message to my parents, the book of Ephesians. My parents stayed together until my mother passed in 1994.
Uncle Jay also served as a minister at a Baptist Church in Manvel, Texas and I went there taking my two sons, Rodney, Jr. and Clint. Uncle Jay baptized Clint my youngest son on a Sunday. That day Jay preached a sermon directed to me, that you that all you need to do to be saved is accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Before my son’s Dad left for Connecticut I took both of my boys, Rodney, Jr. and Clint, to church and Uncle Jay spoke to them and they both accepted Christ as their Savior. Then they left for Connecticut with their Dad. My Mom was getting in bad shape and I was helping my Dad with her care. When my boys returned from Connecticut, my oldest Son, Rodney, Jr. who did not get baptized, said to my Dad while they working out at the barn one day, Rod said “Grandpa when I die I’m going to Heaven because I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior”
When my son passed in 1997 my Uncle Jay would spend time holding my hand and kept telling me every thing would be alright.
Today my youngest son, Clint, has heart doctor appointment, both boys were born with HCM. Once again I pray and leave it the Lord’s hand that every thing will be alright.
I hope these memories shared with you will give you comfort that your Dad was a caring person and tried to help everyone he could.
Brenda Cotten, Exie Snell’s daughter
I cherish the years spent having Bro Jay as my pastor in Houston, TX. Yellowstone Baptist and then Townwood Baptist.
Those years under Bro Jays preaching, I grew in knowledge from God's word! So many young married couples were saved during those years.
Terri & Tonya were the cutest little precious girls. Corky was always a dear pastor's wife and friend.
I know that he is sitting at the feet of JESUS!
There are not enough words nor paper to share what Bro. Jay meant to me and my husband, Buddy. We became a part of his church only three weeks after we were married there in Houston. We only lived there 2 1/2 years under his ministry, however, we remained great friends along with so many others in his congregation over the years. During that time we were taught what it was all about serving the Lord, tithing, witnessing, a daily prayer life and Bible study, He taught us the foundation of Christian Living and might I add that NO ONE taught us more about Revelations and the end times than he did.
Nearly 40 years later, even after his retirement, he came to Garrison, Texas and guided us in starting a new church, as well as serving as our pastor for one year. His passion was seeing souls come to a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I so well remember all of the events that we did to attract young people….. such as the world’s largest banana split and a greasy pig chase and dressing them in lingerie. He baptized nearly 100 at swimming pools, ponds and visiting churches bsptistries. This all took place in two different temporary structures and yet we were running almost 200 at the end of that year. Now Garrison is a small town with less than 1000 population.
His ministry touched more lives than one can ever imagine. Now I am praying for Corky, his girls, and all the rest of the family, especially all those grandchildren he loved so much.
My husband was in the Navy, stationed in Charleston, SC, when Brother Jay was pastoring Charleston Heights Baptist Church. We were newlyweds when we found the church. He was such a blessing to us! We loved his Texas style preaching, always to the point. He showed his love to everyone. Sam & I are very glad he was part of our lives!
