Albert Lee Sneed Jr.

Albert Lee Sneed Jr of Asheville, NC, passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 13th. He was born October 20th, 1943, in Denver, CO, to General Albert Lee Sneed and Dorothy Ryman Sneed. They soon relocated to Pinehurst, NC, so the retired General could play golf. He and his brothers had an idyllic childhood raking magnolia leaves, starting fires, riding bikes, and sneaking on to Number 2 which was their backyard. Albert and his two brothers attended Christ School, a boys’ boarding school in Arden, NC. The headmaster “Mr. Dave” and the other teachers molded Albert into an outstanding young man. He received a Morehead scholarship, a National Merit Scholarship, and an NROTC scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Math and a minor in Physics, graduating in 1965. Albert was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he made lifelong friends. He was commissioned as an Ensign and began his service to the Navy upon graduation. He did an 18-month tour in the Mediterranean aboard the USS John King, a guided missile destroyer. He was an admirals aide and finished his career as a Captain of a minesweeper. He had many adventures. He lost his Christ School class ring while water skiing in the Mediterranean Sea. While giving a tour to the royal family of Monaco, rather than referring to the young Prince Albert as “Your Highness,” he suggested that they just call each other Albert. After four years of service, he decided that life at sea would not give him the family life he and Barrie wanted, and he enrolled in the Law School at Duke. He received his JD in 1973. Upon graduation he moved to Asheville and began his career at the Van Winkle Law Firm, specializing in Bankruptcy and Commercial Business litigation. No client was too big or too small. Along the way, he received many awards and honors. Among those were being named one of the best lawyers in America, a North Carolina Super Lawyer, a Business North Carolina Legal Elite attorney, and an AV Peer-Reviewed rating by Martindale-Hubbard, to name a few. Albert had a very sharp mind and loved to discuss complex legal issues. He enjoyed a very successful law career, and as managing partner, he helped build VanWinkle into the law firm that it is today. On the Board of Directors at Christ School for 20 years and as its former President, he was credited with raising the endowment from 1 to 15 million dollars, thereby transforming the school into a premier institution. He was a founding member and President of the Council of Independent Business Owners in Asheville. He also conceived the idea of establishing a land conversation trust for Buncombe County, his proposal was adopted by the Board of Commissioners, and Albert was named the first President of the Trust’s advisory board. He was a devout member of Trinity Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club. Albert was a good athlete, he lettered in baseball while at Christ School. He picked up windsurfing in his 30’s and validated his prowess when he surfed the Columbia River Gorge, on a very windy day, jibing back and forth with guys half his age. He was an avid fisherman who actually once caught a rainbow trout with his bare hands. He had a 15-year love affair with a bird dog named Lily. They worked the grouse of WNC and pointed birds in Wisconsin. With Barrie, Albert traveled extensively to places like Africa, Peru, Greece, Costa Rica, and Japan. They spent their first trip, their honeymoon, in a Ford truck with a camper top as they toured the whole of the United States, camping along the way. They both were such curious, adventurous, and loving people. Albert was a unique and complex man. Those who knew him best loved him most. He loved salty raw oysters, dirty gin martinis, and Marlboro lights. He was known for saying he wasn’t hungry but would then eat two plates. He was a sailor who could navigate by the stars. He was a lawyer who would crush you in court. He was a father who raised two impressive sons. He was a husband who loved his wife dearly. He was a friend and brother that was there when it mattered. He was a principled man whose humor tried hiding itself but frequently came thru in spite of his resolve. Later in life there were two special women who helped Albert very much, Sara Lavelle and Ona Hensley. He will be remembered fondly and sorely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by two sons, Albert Lee Sneed III and wife Kristen, Paul Ryman Sneed, and wife Tracie, and three granddaughters, Mattie, Lucille, and Mirabel who were the brilliant lights in his life. He is also survived by younger brothers, John Ryman Sneed and wife Linda, Charles Sneed and wife Laurel, sisters-in law Lisa (Mike) Carriagan, and Jodie Muilenburg. Several nieces and nephews whom he adored, and wonderful friends he shared amazing memories with. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Barrett Muilenburg (Barrie), who passed in 2018 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Rest in Peace “Big Owl”. Services to be held on May 6th at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC. Friends are welcome to join the family in a reception immediately following the service. A second reception will take place on Monday, May 6th - 4:00-6:00 pm at the Venue, 21 Market St. - 2nd Floor, Asheville, NC sponsored by the Van Winkle Law Firm. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to please make a contribution to The Parkinson’s Foundation Carolinas Chapter. Thank You.

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Albert Lee Sneed Jr.

October 20, 1943 - April 14, 2024