Buster Carroll Snellgroves, 92, of Tickbush, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, May 21, 2023 at his temporary home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Buster was born April 16, 1931 to Arthur and Mattie Pearl (Bowen) Snellgroves in Bakersfield, California. Buster was a member of Waldron Pentecostal Church of God. He was a member of the Waldron Masonic Lodge No. 132, since 1977. Buster was a Master Mason and a part of the A&A Scottish Rite of Free Masonry at the 32 degree level. Something Buster was proud of but never boosted about was that he was a certified Arkansas firefighter. He was an instrumental part in the development of State Line Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as director and chief for 35 years.
Buster was married to the love of his life, Betty Zane for 40 years before Zane went on to Heaven to wait for him. Together they raised four amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren. Buster enjoyed listening to good ole’ bluegrass music and always attended and helped out at Turkey Track. He was known as the mayor of Tickbush, Arkansas and was part of the CB Radio era with his handle being Tickbush Mayor. If you knew Buster, well then, you had been given a nickname specially thought out for you. He was a collector of caps and enjoyed collecting unique ones to add to his collection. Buster loved going to church and cooking for the men’s prayer breakfast. When there was a community cookout he would smoke meat “which was very very good” and Zane would make beans and desserts. Buster was a friend to all and would help others before finishing things he already started for himself.
Buster leaves behind to cherish his memory, four children: Deborah Herrin and husband Jack of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Elaine Youree and husband Gary of Heavener, Oklahoma; Danny Snellgroves and fiancé Beth of Palmetto, Florida and Sonny Richards and wife Becky of Stringtown, Oklahoma. Papa will remain in the hearts of his twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Buster will be missed by all that knew him and the many lives he impacted by his generosity and thoughtfulness.
Buster was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Zane Snellgroves; his parents, Arthur and Mattie Snellgroves; one son, Mark “Rocco” Richards; one brother, Norman Snellgroves; and two sisters, Bessie Ruth Arp and Patricia “Dovie” Bennedict.
Buster’s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2023 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Ricky Hunt and Rev. Konner McKay officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Ridge Cemetery in Crossroads, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Buster’s pallbearers will be: Cory Richards, Jeremy Herrin, Brian Youree, Mike Duncan, Larry Huddleston and Terry Nix.
Buster’s visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
You may leave words of remembrance for Buster’s family by visiting www.heritagememorialfh.com
