Upstate Mourns Loss Of Beloved Teacher, Coach

A man who left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young people in his decades as an educator in Greenville County. 

Last week Steve Snipes, well known for spending more than two decades at Travelers Rest High School, was on a ladder while working for his painting business when he fell, suffering extensive injuries. 

He passed away early Tuesday morning last week from brain trauma. His son, Kyle Snipes, confirmed the news on Facebook: 

"For those of you who haven't had a chance to hear, my dad Steve Snipes peacefully passed away this morning at around 5:30. After his fall yesterday around noon, his brain injury was just too much to overcome. My mom, brother and I have been so blessed to have him in our life for as long as we did. He was an incredible father, husband, and friend. Additionally, as many of you know, he loved to help people. Fittingly, one of dads last acts here on earth will be to give others a second shot at life, donating his still well functioning organs. Within 24 hours, families all over the country will be receiving phone calls and requests to prep for surgery to potentially change their life's trajectory for the positive. God still using dad to be a blessing all the way to the end. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Our faith sees us through."

Now, those who knew Snipes are conducting random acts of kindness in his honor. "Acts Of Kindness In Honor of Coach Steve Snipes," a Facebook page created by a former student, has more than 2,000 likes, and urges the community to perform acts of kindness for others, as Snipes often did.

The Travelers Rest High School class of 1999 also launched a scholarship for a TRHS senior that exemplifies community service and the "Devildog Spirit." This fund will also contribute to the TRUMC Pillowcase Project for DSS, a charity choice of the Snipes family.