Robert Thomas "Bob" Snowden, M.D., 73, of Pensacola passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 after a long struggle with myelodysplastic syndrome, a malignant bone marrow disorder. Bob faced his illness with courage, good humor and a steadfast optimism that inspired many but surprised few.

Bob (or Bob Tom, as he was known as a child) was born in 1944 in DeLand, FL and spent his childhood years in Jacksonville where his father served as pastor of Arlington Baptist Church. Bob graduated as valedictorian of Terry Parker High School in 1961 then returned to DeLand to attend Stetson University.  There, he was a University Scholar, a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and "Mr. Stetson" 1965. He attended medical school at Vanderbilt University on scholarship. In 1966, after his first year of medical school, Bob married Gwen Knight Snowden. Bob and Gwen had known and admired each other since childhood and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage and partnership.

Dr. Snowden completed his internship in general surgery and a residency at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.  During that time he served for two years as on orthopedic surgeon in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Major. In 1976, the Snowden family moved to Pensacola, where Bob went into practice with Gulf Coast Orthopedics, specializing in reconstructive joint surgery. In 2009, he joined the Andrews Institute of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine as Director of their newly-established total joint surgery program. During his career, Dr. Snowden performed thousands of hip and knee replacements, relieving pain and helping to restore his patients' freedom and mobility with dedication and caring. He was highly regarded by his fellow physicians for his skill, intellect and commitment. Although Dr. Snowden held nurses and hospital staff to high standards, he met all those around him with kindness and respect. He retired in 2013.

Dr. Snowden was a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, President of The Society for Arthritic Joint Surgery and recognized as one of "The Best Doctors in America" for many years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Florida chapter of the Arthritis Foundation from 1978 to 2008 and on the Escambia County School Health Services Advisory Committee from 1985 to 2000. Dr. Snowden was also proud to serve as team physician for the Booker T. Washington High School "Fighting Wildcats" from 1984 to 1999.

Bob was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, where he and Gwen belonged for more than 35 years. He was first elected an Elder of the church in 1986 and served on the Session in many capacities over the years. Bob was especially interested in worship and music and was a faithful member of the Sanctuary Choir.

Music was one of Bob's lifelong passions. He and Gwen were long-time patrons of the Pensacola Symphony and Children's Chorus. He was an accomplished pianist and trumpet player and for several years sang baritone in the Fiesta Barbershop Chorus. But as Bob saw it, the highlight of his musical career was guest-conducting the Pensacola Civic Band in a performance of Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" at Seville Square. Among his many other pursuits were genealogy, woodworking, musical theater, photography and impulse-buying DVDs from Sam's Club. But Bob's greatest passion was his family. He adored his wife, loved his children and doted on his grandchildren (bragging about them shamelessly). At family gatherings he could be relied on for his easy smile, silly faces, and meticulously crafted caramel ice cream.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Lee Snowden and Rev. R. Grady Snowden, Sr. and by his brother, Rev. Ransom Grady Snowden, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gwen Knight Snowden and their children; R. Todd Snowden, M.D., Laurie Snowden Sheehan and Ben Snowden; his daughters, Kate Snowden Neuhoff and Ramona Huldgaard Christensen; his sister, Patricia Lane; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anne and Jon French, Judy and Pat Hubbard and Fred Lane; his sons and daughters-in law, Catherine Wilkinson Snowden, Gary Sheehan, Rebecca Viksnins Snowden, Hank Neuhoff and Jesper Huldgaard Christensen; and ten beloved grandchildren, Caroline Snowden, Adam Snowden, Harrison Snowden, Connor Sheehan, Hayden Sheehan, Brendan Sheehan, Nora Snowden, Julia Snowden, Winnie Snowden and Georgia Huldgaard Christensen.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 33 E. Gregory St., Pensacola, FL, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 1969 School of Medicine Class Scholarship Fund at Vanderbilt University, % Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Class of 1969 Scholarship, PMB 407727 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240-7727 or to the Special Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 33 E. Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502.