John McKinley Snemis

  John McKinley Snemis, age 81, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, surrounded by family. Born on February 19, 1943, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to William “Clyde” Sizemore and Beaulah Mae “Flip” Cooper, John proudly served his country in the United States Navy. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Laura McGehee. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two daughters, Peggy and Dawn, and celebrating over 50 years of marriage. John deeply loved his family and cherished his role as a grandfather. 

  John was a master auto mechanic and long-haul truck driver who was affectionately known to his friends by his CB handle, "Papa Smurf." He had a generous spirit and a talent for lending a helping hand, often assisting friends with their car repairs. 

  John had a love for the simple pleasures in life. John’s favorite meal was spaghetti, and he enjoyed fishing and playing solitaire. A passionate sports enthusiast, he was an avid fan of college basketball, particularly Duke University, and later became a fan of TCU in support of his former son in law Dylan Stuart Gardner and grandson Cole Riley Enos. John also loved bowling and competed as a tournament bowler. 

  He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Tommy Sizemore. 

  John is survived by his devoted wife, Laura Katherine Snemis of Weatherford, Texas; his daughters, Peggy Joy Enos and her husband, Clint, and Dawn Michelle Gardner; and his four grandchildren, Cole Riley Enos, Seth Ryan Enos, Bailey Lynn Gardner, and Ada Katherine Gardner. 

  He is also survived by his brothers, David Sizemore and his wife, Pennie, and Tony Snemis and his wife, Natasha; his sisters, Linda Sizemore, Doris Holt and her husband, Johnny, and Rita Marie Fic; as well as his many loved nieces and nephews, Beth Ann, Todd, Ronnie Allen, Lisa, Bobby, Leon, Jody and Randy, as well as many more loved ones. John will be dearly missed by his beloved dog, Daisy. 

  A graveside service to honor John’s life will be held at 2:15 p.m., on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.