Oscar Robert Gig Sneed 84, native of Jacksonville and resident of Jacksonville Beach since 1992 passed away January 20, 2012 after a long illness. At age 12 he was an honorary member of the Jacksonville Fire Dept. Fire Station #9 where he was nicknamed Giggles and had his own bunk. This was later shortened to Gig. Upon leaving Andrew Jackson High School he joined the US Navy where he served on the USS Astoria and was a proud World War II veteran. He retired from JEA after 28 years of service. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Riverview Lodge, a life member of Morocco Temple Shrine and active in the wrecking Crew Unit for over 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 129. Gig had a very active life enjoying and entertaining family and friends, he loved to fish, play the guitar and have cookouts and make his famous Gigalosh where everyone wanted his recipe but could never duplicate. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Wanda Brown Sneed, beloved daughters Deborah Wheaton (Brad) and Susan Tredinnick (Randy), four grandchildren, Jessica Moseley (Tim Lytton), Leighton Thurlow, Cody Wheaton and Cole Wheaton, great grandson Ayden Lytton, also leaving his sister Mary Ann Cromartie and other loving relatives and many friends that are part of our family. He was a member of Neptune Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25th in Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home of Jacksonville Beach. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26th at Neptune Baptist Church, 407 E. 3rd St. Neptune Beach, followed by a reception at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, South Jacksonville Beach. Interment will be private in the Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Neptune Baptist Church. Many thanks to the Clyde Lassen Veterans Nursing Home in St. Augustine and Haven Hospice for all their extra special care given to Gig and his family. Services under the direction and care of Quinn-Shalz.
Florida Times Union, Jan 24 2012