CMP Remembers Armorer Floyd Snider
January 27, 2021
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is saddened to report the passing of Floyd Snider, lead armorer and gifted employee at CMP South in Anniston, Alabama, on Jan. 20, 2021. He was 79.
“Floyd was a great addition to CMP’s staff that will be greatly missed,” said Mark Johnson, CMP’s chief operating officer. “He had a passion for M1 Garands and loved to share his passion with others. Our CMP family is better for knowing Floyd and fortunate to have spent time with him, however much too brief.”
Photo Credit: Garand Collector’s Association
An avid collector of rifles, Floyd was known to have knowledge for the M1 Garand that surpassed what could be found in textbooks. He was an individual who received so much respect for his proficiency and enthusiasm for his work that he came to be known as “Mr. Floyd” to those around him.
A former armorer in the Marines and member of the Alabama National Guard, Mr. Floyd spent much of his life with a rifle in his hand – helping with the transition from the M1 to the M14 service rifle. It was his interest in firearms that eventually led him to the CMP, after retiring from his career as a technician.
Mr. Floyd began in Anniston as a volunteer, sorting ammo and other duties, before showing an exceptional eye for distinctive rifles and parts.
“Due primarily to his extensive knowledge as an armorer and collector, Floyd was often charged with capturing rare and unique parts for our auction site,” said Chris Hord, CMP Custom Shop supervisor. “He was also regularly assigned to build special and historically significant, high value projects for special circumstances.”
Hord first came to know Floyd in 2009 when Floyd was just a CMP customer and Hord was beginning work in the CMP Store. He recalls many mornings the two spent in casual conversation, talking about one of Floyd’s favorite topics – rifles.
With his expertise, the CMP quickly hired Floyd on full-time as an armorer in 2011. Over the last decade, he has passed on his M1 skills to others as a valued mentor.
“He had a knack for it,” said Brian McCormick, CMP storage supervisor, who worked directly with Mr. Floyd since 2015. “He was very meticulous – safety first. He taught me a lot, and he loved the CMP.”
His passion was not only toward the rifles themselves, but the stories attached to them. One of his most treasured activities was choosing various rifles from the CMP warehouse that originated from World War II, Vietnam and other eras to put on display for visitors – explaining their characteristics as well as their journeys to the halls of the CMP warehouse. Many guests would shake his hand afterward and thank him for all of his insight and for his hospitality.
“He just got a kick out of doing that,” McCormick recalled, with a smile.
“Floyd was a great asset to CMP, and brought an unparalleled experience to our community,” Hord added. “The news of Floyd’s passing is quite sad. It was a blessing to have known him.”
For those who knew him during his military days, he was described in many words, but, above all else, loyal – an outstanding individual, soldier and comrade.
“An exceptional person who was always there to help his fellow soldiers, always, and was a pure joy to be around,” expressed an acquaintance.
“Proud to have called him friend,” said another.
In 2013, Mr. Floyd was recognized at the Wounded Warriors Camp banquet, held at CMP South, for his service in the Marine Corps. He spoke on the years he served and received overwhelming applause from the crowd.
Around the CMP warehouse, Mr. Floyd could be seen riding his adult-sized tricycle, purchased for him by the CMP to assist him in his daily activities around the very spacious building. He was also known to pal around with the storage department’s mascot – a cat named Bullet, named by Floyd himself.
To Mr. Floyd, working on rifles at the CMP was more than just a job – as McCormick suggested, it was his purpose. He rarely missed a day of work and genuinely enjoyed the parts, rifles and people he was able to surround himself with each day. Those close to him shared the sentiment.
“Everybody thought the world of him,” McCormick said. “I don’t think anyone can fill his shoes.”
Mr. Floyd leaves behind a son and daughter (one daughter preceding him in death), a sister, as well as many friends and acquaintances who will remember the admiration, wisdom and compassion he brought to the world.
— By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Staff Writer
What an absolute wonderful person he was. Whenever he spoke, you knew that you were talking with the real deal. My friend, Jeff Lewis, and I got to meet with him during one of our trips to do Volunteer work at the CMP. I think that we were sorting M-1 Bayonets when he came to the area where we were working. He was a true Christian Gentleman, and the world was a much better place because of him. The CMP and all of us have lost a true friend and Warrior. Thanks so much Mr. Floyd!
So sorry to hear of the passing of the Master Armorer, He was an asset to the USMC, CMP and anyone who met him. God Bless his family and friends.
GMCM Jeff Clemmer USN retired
I’m so sorry to hear that he passed. Would have loved to have met him at the store, and of course, it would be a dream job when I retire. RIP sir.
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Floyd in January 2019 while completing the M1 Advanced Maintenance Class in Anniston. Such a wonderful man who freely shared his knowledge and love of the M1. I will never forget the tour during the class and listening to Mr. Floyd as he explained the details of the special rifles at the CMP warehouse. My prayers go out for all his family and friends who will miss this great man. God Bless.
I worked with Floyd while sorting and inspecting the barreled receivers the CMP received from the Navy and the M1s received from the Turkish Air Force and the Philippines. He was a great help. His enthusiasm and knowledge were particularly shown when he exhibited his “show and tell” collection of rifles displayed for visitors. I was proud to work with him and will miss him.
We’re naturally selfish as we want to keep aHuman Treasure as Mr. Floyd around forever! In Honor of the Love of that Marine,Honor him. Fill in,move up and step in,wherever you are are,and be a fitting Memorial to his Genuine Memory… Semper Fi and CMP Up,Mr. Floyd…?????
I met Mr. Floyd Snider while going through the CMP Advanced Maintenance Course during a tour of the warehouse last year. Our discussion centered on the “Farmers rifle” (The International Harvester M1). A shipment had arrived of the latter rifles from the Philippines. My rifle while in Marine Infantry Training Regiment in 1966 being an International Harvester M1. His friendly demeanor and knowledge was quite remarkable and one of the highlights of my time @ CMP. Thanks Mr. Floyd and CMP!
Met Mr. Floyd once. I thought I knew a little about the Garand, but for once I kept my mouth shut. How I wish I could have recorded that conversation! Awe-inspiring to be in tbe presence of so much knowledge, shared so freely by such a genuinely nice man. Sincere condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family, friends, and especially to his colleages at CMP. Semper Fi!
Good on you Floyd Snider, I am happy to see someone blessed to be doing what they love and have a passion for. It’s really nice when someone is looking out for you. I know you have impacted countless lives and you will be missed by them. Good on you.
All those who served in the “Corps” can only hope they leave a legacy half that of this individual. I am looking to see who put together my M1 that I bought from the CMP. If it was Mr. Floyd then that’s what I’ll name my M1. Semper Fi Mr. Floyd, you keep the highest honors that good Marines have as a duty to our countrymen!
Great talent from a great individual, glad he was able to pass some of that talent to future generation to come.
SEMPER FI !!
I will miss Mr Floyd like all Will who knew him.We worked together a couple times during volunteer days.He treated me with utmost respect and patience.Such a treasure of knowledge on not just M1s but all types of firearms.I learned a lot from him and enjoyed helping with his special projects.I have a few personal stories of this man that I will share with anyone in his remembrance.
It was an honor to have known him and call Friend.
Randy Ent
It saddens me to hear this news. I was fortunate enough to meet him on several occasions, it was a highlight to my trips to the cmp. He will indeed be truly missed.
I am sorry to hear of this; I’m certain he will be missed by all of you.
I worked with Mr. Floyd for several years in the CMP Auction and various duties in the warehouse. He was a wealth of information on several subjects. From investments to relationships, I feel very blessed to have had those long form conversations with him. He was certainly an asset in my life. His porch racoons will certainly miss him. 🙂