Dr. L. Don Snellgrove has been selected as Grand Marshal for this year’s Christmas parade, said Francine Wasden, Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Director.

“Dr. Snellgrove is such a wonderful and gracious man,” she said. “We’re so glad to have him as our Grand Marshal.”

Dr. Snellgrove retired this year, having served the city for years as an optometrist from 1949 to September 2008. He was called to serve in the military during the Korean War and served three years as an Optometry officer before being honorably discharged at the rank of Captain with eight years reserve and active duty.

Optometry, it’s safe to say, has been a big part of Dr. Snellgrove’s life.

He was named Optometrist of the Year in 1968 primarily for his work in the establishment of the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s School of Optometry. He served as president of the Alabama Optometric Association in 1967 and has been a continuous member since 1949. He has been a member and past trustee of the Southern Council of Optometrists and is a fellow, American Academy of Optometry. He was the first chairman of the Medicaid Peer Review Committee for Optometry in the state and continued as chairman for 16 years, resigning in April 2008.

Dr. Snellgrove has been just as active in the community and has been a member and past president of the Greenville Kiwanis Club. He served as president of the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce for two years in 1975 and 1976. He is a longtime member of First Baptist Church and has served as church treasurer, deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and has taught adult Sunday School for over 35 years. worked for years collecting donations for United Fund.