J.S. (Jay) Snell's Obituary
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.
Jay pursued extensive theological education, earning a PhD in Theology. He studied at the University of Houston, East Texas Baptist College, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His education laid the foundation for a lifetime devoted to the preaching of God’s Word.
Jay planted and pastored numerous churches throughout Texas and South Carolina, faithfully answering God’s call wherever he was led. His entire life was devoted to serving others, and he was deeply honored to do so.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Jay was a devoted author. Over the course of his life, he wrote eleven books, many centered on sharing God’s blessings. Through both spoken word and written work, Jay shared biblical truth with conviction and compassion, leaving a lasting legacy that extended far beyond the pulpit.
Above all else, Jay loved his family with his whole heart. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. His great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he adored them completely, delighting in their lives and celebrating each moment he spent with them. His love for his family was unwavering, constant, and unconditional.
Whether planting churches, pastoring congregations, or quietly helping those in need, Jay lived by a simple motto he often repeated, “Someone’s gotta do it.” To his family, those words defined his servant heart and lifelong obedience to God’s call, and he willingly became that someone time and time again.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Edrie Lee Snell, his daughters, Tonya Dee Bogosian and Terri Lee Snell, his grandchildren, Haley Morgan Buckmaster and her husband Chad Buckmaster, Amber Lee Nokelby and her husband Ryan Nokelby, Terrell (T.J.) Wade Mizell, Jr., and Tyler Bryce Mizell, and his great-grandchildren, Presley Jayde Buckmaster, Aniston Ryan Buckmaster, Zoey Lux Jacobs, and Bjorn Alexander Nokelby.
Jay’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing held at 10:00 a.m., at South Park Chapel, 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, Texas
77581.
If Jay could ask one last thing of you, he would want you to know about Jesus. His life was dedicated to sharing the Gospel, and his greatest hope was that others would come to know the salvation he preached with such conviction.
As Scripture tells us in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The family finds great comfort in knowing that Jay is now home, welcomed into heaven, surrounded by rejoicing, and embraced by the countless lives he touched along the way. He has arrived, faithful and fulfilled, hearing the words he lived his life for, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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