“His Hands Knew Work”

Celebrating the Life of Mr. James Edward Snell
January 10, 1959 – August 24, 2026

On Monday evening, August 24, 2026, Mr. James Edward Snell, of Roanoke, Alabama, completed his earthly journey at Wellstar Hospice in LaGrange, Georgia. He was 67 years old.

James was born on January 10, 1959, in Chambers County, Alabama. His parents were the late Wiley Snell, Jr., and Lelia Cooper-Huzzie.  He received his formal education in Lanett, Alabama, and remained connected throughout his life to the region where his story began. After moving from Chambers County, he made Roanoke his home for more than twenty years.

His Christian journey included joining Greenwood Baptist Church. In later years, he attended Bethel United Methodist Church in Roanoke, where he continued his connection to the fellowship of faith.

James was a working man in the truest and most honorable sense.

For more than thirty years, he earned his living through trucking and furniture delivery, working with Goree’s Furniture and Skinner’s Furniture. His employment history also included work at West Point Pepperell, as well as cutting pulpwood and working in the logging industry.

His hands knew heavy work. His days knew the road.

Through furniture delivery, textile work, trucking, pulpwood cutting, and logging, James gave his strength to the kind of labor that keeps families, businesses, and communities moving. It was work that required long hours, physical endurance, and the willingness to meet each day’s responsibilities. There may not always have been public applause for such labor, but there was dignity in it—and a legacy in every mile traveled, every delivery completed, and every demanding task carried through.

For more than twenty years, James shared life’s journey with his wife, Regina Nelson. Together, they made their home in Roanoke and walked through the changing seasons of life side by side.

James was preceded in death by his parents; two stepsons, Paul Hicks and Larry Hicks; and seven siblings.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Regina Nelson of Roanoke, Alabama; four surviving stepchildren, Loretta Knight of Montgomery, Alabama, Bernadette Heard of Ashland, Alabama, and Michael Nelson and Raymond Nelson, both of Roanoke, Alabama.  His cherished grandchildren include:  Ty Derrick Watkins, Tierra Staphanoff, Justice Knight, Kevin Watkins, Tamirial Nelson, Zara Woodgett, Kolton Watkins and McKenzlie Watkins. 

He also leaves three brothers, Curtis Snell (Ann) of Lanett, Alabama, Leroy Dean of Abbottsford, Georgia, and Willie George Calloway of LaGrange, Georgia; and three sisters, Lela Evans and Emily Ann Watts, both of Roanoke, Alabama, and Sherry Jean Moreland (Bobby) of LaGrange, Georgia.

Additional survivors include his sisters-in-law, Annie Joyce Snell of Lanett, Alabama; Francine Nelson of LaGrange, Georgia; Evelyn Dimmings and Mattie Ruth Molten of Anniston, Alabama; and Lizzie Boyd of Weaver, Alabama.

Finally, but not least, he is survived by his loving great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. 

The true measure of James Edward Snell’s life cannot be found only between the dates of his birth and his passing. It is found in the roads he traveled, the work of his hands, the years he gave, and the family circle that now feels the weight of his absence.

His was a life not necessarily written in headlines, but written mile by mile, load by load, shift by shift, and year by year. It was written in honest work performed, responsibilities carried, family relationships maintained, and a life steadily lived.

Today, the road is quieter. The workday has ended. A familiar place within the family circle is now empty.

Yet James’s story does not end with his departure. His earthly labor is complete, but the memory of his life remains—held in gratitude, spoken with affection, and carried forward by those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Arrangements Notice

There will be public viewing for family and friends on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the "Community Room"  at Clark Memorial Funeral Service.  The family of Mr. James Edward Snell welcomes family and friends to a Memorial Service that will follow the visitation.  The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 P.M.

Professional services entrusted to Clark Memorial Funeral Service, Inc., Roanoke, Alabama.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Edward Snell, please visit our floral store.