Billy Snead

Born in Bronte, Texas on December 24, 1949

Departed on September 16, 2020 and resided in Thompson Station, Tennessee

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BILLY DOAK SNEAD
December 24, 1949 - September 16, 2020

Uniquely talented singer-songwriter, recording artist, public speaker and educator, Doak Snead was, above all things, a devoted husband, father, friend and Christian. A native of Bronte, Texas, he was a longtime resident of Thompson's Station, south of Nashville. On September 16th, after suffering a stroke, he was reunited in Heaven with Kelley, his wife of 24 years. Doak was 70 years old.

As a pioneering artist on the Progressive Country/Redneck Rock scene in Austin in the early 1970s and the leader of the popular Doak Snead Band he earned the respect of his fellow musicians and was represented in the recent exhibit "Outlaws and Armadillos" at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. As a songwriter with Reba McEntire's Starstruck Writers Group, he earned a gold record for his contribution of a track recorded by Contemporary Christian artists Avalon and also had his songs cut by artists including Lari White, Mark W. Winchester, Lanie Marsh, Lisa Daggs, Jamie Slocum and duo J.P. and Red Fontaine. Recording his first solo album in 1977, his most recent completed project was the EP, A Welcome Affair, produced by Bob Clement. Remaining prolific throughout his life, his extensive catalog also included two records for children, Kids Rule and They Call Me Mister Doak. The latter title was inspired by his lengthy tenure as a popular music teacher (affectionately dubbed "Mr. Doak" by the students) at Nashville's Calvary United Methodist Church.

Leaving Bronte for nearby San Angelo in the late '60s, Doak would soon team with fellow San Angeloan T. Gozney Thornton in the duo Tom and Billy. As a performer in Austin and throughout Texas in the early Seventies, he opened shows for such iconic performers as blues legend Mance Lipscomb, Texas artist Kenneth Threadgill, folk pioneer Ramblin' Jack Elliot and bluegrass band, the Dillards. He also received invitations to perform at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival and at one of Willie Nelson's first Fourth of July picnic concerts. The Doak Snead Band initially also featured members Woodie Ray Lawson, De "Guy Juke" White, Ben Whitmer and the late Frank Delvy (aka "Cheech"), with Don Elam joining later, along with a succession of drummers. In 1975, they became the first country-rock group to ever perform with the Houston Pops Orchestra. They also opened shows for Willie Nelson, John Prine, Asleep at the Wheel, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Jerry Jeff Walker and Loudon Wainwright III, among many others. Moving to Nashville in 1989 at the urging of his longtime friend, Townes Van Zandt, Doak worked as a museum tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA's Studio B, where, as was so often the case, he was beloved by his fellow workers and is remembered fondly for his passion, knowledge and extraordinary musical talent. Doak's songs continue to be treasured by fans throughout the world, and have earned critical praise as well. Other albums in his extensive discography include Powderhorn, 1015 Main: The Bastrop Demos and Inside, as well as a 2008 Doak Snead Band reunion project and a career-spanning compilation titled Catalogue.

Having spent much of his time taking care of Kelley before her passing in May 2017, Doak was most content at home working on new music, reminiscing on the phone and online with longtime friends, and interacting with Emma, her friends and the various animals he often resisted taking in but ultimately fell in love with, including Emma's beloved Piper Mae.

Doak was preceded in death by his wife, Kelley Sallee Snead; parents Virginia Helen Thetford Snead and Ben Douglas Snead, Sr. sister Wanda Belle Parker; and nephew Terry Don Roberts. He is survived by daughters Rachel McCarty, of Cherokee, Texas, and Emma Claire Snead of Thompson's Station, Tenn.; sister Hattie Jane Roberts (Norman) of Coahoma, Texas; brother Ben Douglas Snead, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; numerous, nieces, nephews and extended family. A Life Celebration will be held 2:00pm, Saturday, Sept 26. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00pm at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN, 37221, 615-646-9292