In memory of Walt Snelling, who passed away in March of 2018. This interview was done in April of 2017. If you’re from Hall County, you’ve probably heard of Gainesville legend, Walt Snelling. Or, you’ve at least heard his voice at a Red Elephant home game on a Friday night. He was the P.A. announcer at Bobby Gruhn field for nearly 40 years, and has recently retired. “When I first began, I was a homer. Who wouldn’t be biased towards the Red Elephants? (ha!) But, I ended up changing my style to be more fair when I called,” Walt says.
As a 1955 Gainesville High School graduate, his Gainesville ties run deep. He attended North Georgia College, and earned a degree in Physical Education and in History. He worked for Gainesville Parks and Recreation, and has coached nearly every sport at Gainesville High School at some point in time. Walt has also worked as a campaign manager on a number of state and local campaigns. He lived in the Civic Center with his family for a few years while he served as Civic Manager. He was in the U.S. Army Reserves as well. And, Walt was an active member of the Jaycees all of his life. His list of accomplishments goes on and on. He is married to Carol Snelling of 60 years, has 3 kids, and 7 grandkids.  
While no longer announcing, you can find this diehard Red Elephant cheering on all of our sports teams in the stands. “I’ve let the Good Lord down in a lot of ways, but I have tried to do a few things right, and working with kids was one of them,” Walt adds.
We’d like to thank Walt for all that he’s done for Gainesville sports, Gainesville schools, and most importantly, Gainesville people.  [Walt is pictured here with two Gainesville athletic stars: 1973 Masters Champion – Tommy Aaron and 2017 NCAA Football Champion Quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “It started in the early 80’s, and someone asked me to be the announcer at a few games, and before I knew it, I was doing it all the time. And, I loved it. I don’t know why I love kids so much, but I do.”
Q: What was your favorite part of announcing at Bobby Gruhn field?
A: “I saw some of the most incredible athletes, cheerleaders, and band members through my job. And, I got to watch the community come together for a common goal: supporting the Red Elephants.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “Since 1942”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “I’m going to name two among so many: Nathan Deal, we’ve been like brothers since 1967. He is without a doubt one of the most gifted human beings on Earth. And, Helen Perry, she has done so much work for Gainesville and Gainesville High School. It is rare for a community to have someone like her in it.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “I’ve always wanted to go to Greece. It just fascinates me. There are also a number of states I’d love to visit: North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana – all the states I’ve never been to.”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Love Jesus Christ with every fiber of your being.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “To see my granddaughter have a baby. I’d love to see all of my grand children get married, too.”
Q: What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “The Poultry Industry, for sure. And, Milliken, Chicopee Mill, and New Holland Mill.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “The people here.  We’ve got every race, creed, and color and everyone is accepted.”
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I have a huge love for animals.”
Q: (To his wife Carol) What is something interesting most people don’t know about Walt?
A: “He was a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the Green Street Pool. When people, especially tiny girls, were completing safety courses, and had to “save” someone, they never wanted to get assigned to save Walt because he was so big and tall (chuckles).  Somehow, they were always the ones selected to jump in and try to get him out of the water.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.