George A Snell III

George A. Snell III, 77, gained heaven on January 15, 2026, peacefully, with his wife by his side, a week after their 54th wedding anniversary.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Hillside Christian Church West Campus, 6100 S. Soncy. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

The doors of Pampa, Texas, opened to George on July 17, 1948, first son of Dr. George A. Snell Jr. and Kathryn Snell, and the oldest of their three children. Good Snell family memories came from their stable home life, a solid education, church, sports, Scouting, and George's "love for the golf links" starting at age 11. He and his brother Don became lifelong, compassionate sons and big brothers to their mom and younger sister, Sheryl, when their father died suddenly in 1970. By the time George graduated as a Pampa Harvester (66), the strengths of family, his faith foundation, lifelong friends, and a beneficial community life launched him through the next doors of life.

The Waco doors opened when George became a forever Baylor Bear, earning both his BA and JD degrees. His blood ran "green and gold" and only changed to UT orange briefly when his son attended UT. He danced and sang in his fraternity's University Sing production, held varied summer jobs, and studied French at the Sorbonne in Paris when considering a career in the foreign service.

He returned to his beloved, non-humid Panhandle with his bride, Bonnie, and began practicing law in Amarillo in 1972. This door opened to his family life and career, the best part being the birth of their son, Grant. George was a loving, dedicated, fun husband and father, encouraging Bonnie's teaching career and delighting in being Grant's dad! George and Grant shared a rich life together-at home, in school and church, through Scouting, with Grant's friends, on the golf course, in their travels, and even in the practice of law. Later, one of George's greatest joys was becoming Grandpa George to Amelia and Nolan Snell. Trips to and from Montana were life highlights! Grant's many Amarillo trips were especially treasured in recent years to help Mom and Dad.

Amarillo doors opened opportunities for faith growth and serving for George and Bonnie. Their Christian faith gained new focus through church life, Bible studies, influential teachers, and fortifying friendships. George also participated in national and international Christian legal organizations. Though the doors of Paramount Terrace/Hillside Christian Church were open to them, the most important door opened is Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:20).

George entered his law-career door as a general practitioner and litigator until 1979, when he turned his focus to oil and gas title law, preparing over 7,000 title opinions for energy companies throughout the country. Longtime special endeavors included serving as a founding member on the State Bar's Title Standards Editorial Board and creating a 21-state network of title attorneys that published a treatise on Comparative Oil and Gas Law. He became a nationally recognized author, delighting in the friendships and travel involved. His industry knowledge was nurtured and then respected by professionals and organizations nationwide.

The doors of the Amarillo Ware Care Center opened to George as his physical health changed. The adjustments were many, eased through the staff's outstanding dedication, expert care, kindness, and dignity. Regular family and friend visitors from near and far greatly blessed his last year. The family extends deep gratitude for the prayers and loving care given to us.

George is survived by his wife, Bonnie Brown Snell; son, Grant Snell and wife, Elise (Montana); grandchildren, Amelia and Nolan Snell; brother, Don Snell and wife Kim (Arkansas); sister, Sheryl Hollis of Arlington, Texas.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. George A. Snell, Jr., and Kathryn Snell; in-laws, Melvin, and Nadean Brown; and brother-in-law, Michael Hollis.