News Summary
Chad Wyatt Snelgrove, a dedicated community member and law enforcement officer, tragically passed away at the age of 56. His legacy of service, love for his family, and contributions to the Lexington community will be deeply missed by friends, family, and colleagues. A visitation and memorial service will be held to honor his life and achievements.
Lexington, SC – Chad Wyatt Snelgrove, a respected member of the Lexington community, passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 56, leaving behind a rich legacy characterized by love, service, and dedication to his family and community.
Born on April 13, 1969, in Red Bank, South Carolina, Chad spent most of his life contributing to public service and cherishing time with loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda; their three children, Hannah, Zac, and Garrett; and his mother, Vera Snelgrove. Chad also leaves behind his in-laws, David and Nancy Manley, as well as several siblings, nieces, and nephews who will remember him fondly.
Chad graduated from Lexington High School in 1987, later pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, which he completed in 1991. Throughout his life, he remained a fervent supporter of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, often celebrating the team’s achievements with fellow fans.
Chad and Rhonda were married on May 20, 1995, and built a loving life together for three decades. Their home was filled with joy as they raised their three children, fostering an environment of support and encouragement. Chad’s greatest pride and joy were his family and the strong bonds they shared.
For nearly three decades, Chad dedicated his career to law enforcement, with a long and distinguished tenure at the Town of Lexington Police Department, from which he ultimately retired. He further enhanced his knowledge and skills by graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His colleagues held Chad in high regard, often praising his integrity, leadership abilities, and unwavering loyalty to the community.
Chad’s impact extended beyond his professional life. He formed enduring friendships throughout his years, including a lifelong bond with his brother-in-law, Rusty Manley. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help others, traits that earned him a deep respect within the community.
He was preceded in death by his father, John “Bill” Snelgrove, and his brother, Mark Snelgrove. Despite these losses, Chad’s family remains a testament to his character and the love he cultivated throughout his life.
Visitation for Chad will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Mt. Horeb Church, located at 1205 Old Cherokee Rd, Lexington, SC 29072. A memorial service will follow at 3:30 PM the same day. Friends, family, and community members are encouraged to attend to remember Chad’s contributions and cherish the memories they shared.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Chad’s honor to organizations that highlight his passions. Contributions can be directed to Soccer Superheroes or the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Foundation, specifically the Ben Willoughby Fund for Line of Duty Deaths in South Carolina.
Chad Wyatt Snelgrove will be remembered not only for his professional achievements and community service but also for the profound love he shared with his family and friends. His legacy will live on through those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Chad Wyatt Snelgrove Obituary
- Barr-Price Funeral Home: Mark W. Snelgrove Obituary
- Wikipedia: Criminal Justice
- Google Search: Lexington SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
