Sneed showed ‘great is possible’

Posted on April 29, 2020

Long before he became a famous Grammy-nominated gospel singer, Taylor County native Troy Sneed left indelible marks on those around him through his humble, gracious spirit.

“Troy and I sat next to one another in math class at Taylor County High School (TCHS). Even as a teenager, he was one of those rare God-filled individuals who didn’t see race, or which side of town a person lived on. He saw the heart of the individual. His smile could light up the room, and kindness was the essence of who he was,” fellow classmate Michael Morris said.

“Decades later, I was listening to the gospel channel on Sirius radio and Troy’s name came up on the screen. By that time he was a successful gospel singer. I was so excited that I took a picture of the radio screen with his name on it and sent it to him. He was still the same kind and humble guy and was tickled that I sent it to him,” Morris remembers.

“One story that stayed with me is that not too long ago he prayed for God to lead him to people who might need financial help. Then he would get in his car and look for them. He drove by the home of an elderly woman who was in her yard. He stopped and asked her if she needed any assistance. She said that she had been praying for a way to buy her medication. Troy did not hesitate and gave her the money. Last night after I learned that he had passed away, that story came to mind. Even though I hadn’t seen Troy in decades, knowing that his goodness is no longer here on the planet hurts. We need more people like Troy Sneed in the world,” Morris said.

Sneed died early Monday, April 27, at a hospital in Jacksonville following a battle with coronavirus. He was 52. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and four children.

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