The Shadow
Edwin Archer Snead II (“Ned”)
Edwin Archer Snead II (“Ned”), of Ashland, Virginia, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 78 years old. He was born on August 25, 1948, in Clifton Forge, Virginia at the C&O Hospital to George Carpenter Snead, Sr. and Harriet Evelyn Bruce Snead. Though he lived in Ashland for many years and loved the Hanover area, his heart always remained in Clifton Forge where he was raised and where he spent his younger formative years. He loved spending time in the Alleghany Mountains, kayaking, fishing, and even bathing in the Cowpasture River – at Camp Wallawatula as a young boy and then at his brother’s camp later in life. He often recounted youthful adventures of fishing up and down the river in a little boat all summer and sledding 100 miles an hour down steep hills in town during the snowy winters.
Ned loved his family deeply and was a proud and supportive father and grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them and was always actively involved in their lives. While his daughters were growing up, they participated in Indian Princesses together,
a father-daughter program designed to foster bonds through camping trips and outdoor activities.
He treasured his time in Indian Princesses with his daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, where they made many lasting and wonderful memories together.
Ned is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sarah Crallé Snead, their daughters, Rachel H. Snead (Brian Mallon) and Rebecca H. Scott (Drew), grandchildren, Rowan Harper Scott and Isla Vienne Scott, his brother, George Carpenter Snead, Jr. (Debbie), and his beloved dog, Chip, a Boykin Spaniel whom he loved with all his heart. He was proceeded in death by both of his parents, his father whom he lost at the age of 7 and his mother in 2006.
Ned was a graduate of Clifton Forge High School class of 1966 and of Virginia Military Institute (“VMI”) class of 1970 and was a proud brother rat. Many of his lifelong friendships were forged at VMI. He loved going to VMI home games and if a VMI football game was on, chances are you could find him watching and cheering on his team. He was able to attend his 50th college reunion in 2021, delayed slightly due to Covid, and more recently his 55th VMI class reunion and Clifton Forge High 60th reunion.
Ned was extremely proud of being a Veteran of the United States Army Artillery. Following his service, he received his master’s degree from Kansas State University and worked as a civilian employee for the Department of Army for many years. He was passionate about and had a lifelong career and devotion to helping people who were struggling with addiction and substance abuse disorders. He particularly loved research and education which included traveling to teach others about best practices in substance abuse disorders. Ned retired from Mental Health Support Services, Chesterfield County Government, where he spent the final 20 years of his career as Program Manager for Substance Abuse Services.
Ned had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a member of Malvern Hill Hunt Club. He was an extremely talented woodworker that could carve the most intricate designs including detailed faces of people and wildlife. He loved music, in particular
Bluegrass. He loved going to listen to music and went to the Walnut Valley Festival at the Winfield Fairgrounds in Kansas every September for many years. Inspired by his love of music, he began collecting instruments and started taking banjo lessons later in life. He also loved history, genealogy, reading, watching movies, football, and all holidays. He was especially known for his elaborate pumpkin carving and love of celebrating Christmas.
As someone who loved his family and history, it was important to Ned to trace and understand his family’s lineage. He began researching and documenting his family’s history many years ago and traced it all the way back to Robert the Bruce in Scotland. He was a proud to be a member of
the Bruce Clan and wore his kilt to holiday church services on more than one occasion.
A service to celebrate Ned’s life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Nelsen Funeral Home – Reid Chapel located at 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, Virginia 23005. Visitation will begin at 1 pm with the service at 2 pm and a reception for family and friends to follow.
Donations in honor and remembrance of Ned can be made to the VMI rifle team scholarship fund or a VMI fund of your choice: Alumnae Agencies, PO Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450 or to Heart-N-Soul Animal Foundation c/o Kristin Gingrich, 5230 Hickory Park Drive, Suite D, Glen Allen, Virginia 23059.
Ned will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart, gentle soul and adventurous spirit, eclectic interests, and his love and commitment to his family and friends. He loved his hometown, his school, his family, his dog, and his friends with all his heart and he made sure they all knew it. He is already and will always be greatly missed.
