More detail on this person: Philip Christy
"Chris" Snodgras unexpectedly took his last flight
on October 1st, 2013. Chris was born in
Coffeyville, Kansas on February 22nd, 1948 and
grew up in numerous states and foreign countries,
settling in LaPlace, LA at 14 years old. He
graduated from Leon Godchaux High School in
LaPlace in 1966 then attended Southeastern LA
University and Nichols State. Chris worked as a
paramedic in New Orleans before joining the Army
in 1968 serving in Vietnam as a medical evacuation
helicopter pilot. After completing his time in the
service he accepted a job in Jakarta, Indonesia
flying helicopters. Upon returning to Louisiana,
Chris became a pilot for PHI and then joined Air
Logistics Helicopters where he flew to the
offshore oil platforms. In 1974 Chris started a
partnership in Faust Helicopters and retired from
Air Logistics in 2002. Chris moved to Memphis in
2002 to spend time with his daughters. He lived
with his ex-wife so they could keep an eye on each
other and he could help care for her foster dogs
while she worked out of the country as a flight
attendant Not only being brilliant with a
photographic memory Chris had a heart of gold; he
loved animals and children and would do what ever
he could for them including helping people who
were having difficult times in their lives. Chris
helped with the animal rescue his family started
and babysat his daughters' pets. He had squirrels
and hummingbirds who came to him for food and
water. Chris received many honors while in the
Army for the lives he saved; one blessed day he
was shot down 3 times and continued to keep on
fighting and saving lives! His favorite quote when
he was trying to inspire his 3 girls was "If you
were in a war you have to keep on fighting".
During hurricanes in the Gulf he could not be home
with his family as the pilots had to evacuate the
platforms to keep the workers safe. This was done
in high winds with dangerous conditions to the
pilots. Chris flew large helicopters which
required a pilot and co-pilot. Chris and Tom, flew
their helicopter in high winds and seas rescuing
60 people off a stationary oil platform and a
mobile drilling platform which had broken loose
and was headed toward the stationary platform
possibly causing an explosion and fire. He never
talked about awards he received, but one in
particular for the above mentioned rescue required
Chris to attend a banquet in Anaheim for an award
given by the Helicopter Association International.
He also received an award by the U.S. Coast Guard
for this same mission. Chris being a humble man
never wanted to realize the true importance of his
job and the legacy it would leave behind. Chris
will join his parents J.F. Snodgras and Lucille
Fowler Snodgras, sister Sarah Jane Snodgras,
grandmother Elsie Kincade, sister in law Brenda
Pilcher Snodgras and father-in- law, Gene
Gilchrist. Chris leaves behind his daughters,
Kelly, Katy and Kamy Snodgras and
granddaughter, Kira, ex wife Barbara G. Snodgras
all of Memphis and his brother Jeff (Pam) Snodgras
of St. Amant, LA. Even though he was divorced he
remained close to his in laws, mother-in-law Edna
Gilchrist, sister and brother in law Bettye and
Don Rodgers of Memphis and nephews Greg and
Kevin Rodgers of Chicago. He also leaves his
"adopted" sisters, Toni Meyers and Lisa Lemoine of
Louisiana. Typically giving as Chris was, he has
donated his body to The Genesis Program. A
Celebration of Life will be held on October 27,
2013 from noon until 2:30 at Rooftop Terrace-
River Inn of Harbor Town. Donations may be made
to Guardian Angel Pet Rescue, PO Box 1751,
Collierville TN 38027 or a charity of your
choice.
Published in The Commercial Appeal on Oct. 25,
2013
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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