George Franklin Snelgrove, 89, of Oil Trough passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Oil Trough. He was born December 29, 1936, at Rosie to Robert and Mollie (Long) Snelgrove. He graduated from Arkansas College (Lyon) with a Bachelor’s in Education and from ASU with a Master’s in Education. George coached at Oil Trough, Sulphur Rock, and Tuckerman, where he went to the state tournament many times. He was a school principal at Oil Trough, retired as principal at Batesville, and became a cattle farmer until he was 81 years old. He was a member of Blackland Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for over 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Robbie Nell Snelgrove of 66 years; daughter, Sylvia Snelgrove; brothers, Tom Snelgrove, Red Snelgrove, Robert (RC) Snelgrove, and Hershel Snelgrove; sisters, JoAnn Moore, Vernell Cullins, and Jane Snelgrove.
Survivors include daughter, Tammy Meeks (Dr. Robert Heath) and one grandchild, Parker Meeks (Megan Atkins), his pride and joy, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 31, 2025, 12:00 P.M. at Blackland Free Will Baptist Church with Bro. Stanley Vandergrift officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Springs Cemetery in Rosie.
Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.
Visitation will begin Friday, May 30, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel.
Pallbearers will be Don Shaw, Johnny Raper, Keith Meeks, Mike Swaim, Brien Edwards, and Chad Crabtree.
Honorary pallbearers are Fred Sifford, Alfred Sullivan, Gaylord Freeman, and Bud Edwards.
Special thank you to his wonderful caregivers that became family: Kelly King, Linda Clem, Carol Weaver, and Rose Farmer. Special thanks to Matt Swaim and Lexi along with all of the Caring Hands Hospice team. He was blessed with many friends who came daily. His house was the Saturday lunch “learning center” with good food and friends and many basketball games. Lots of world problems were solved every week with this crew!
Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
