Snapper Founder Passes Away

The Georgia man who founded the Snapper brand of lawn mowers died of a heart attack Saturday, July 12. William Smith was 90.

Smith, of McDonough, Ga., developed the Snapper mower after learning about the self-propelled mower designed by Neal and Alex Smith. He bought their patents in 1950.

Given its turtle shell-like appearance, Smith named his first mower model the Snapping Turtle. That title was later shortened to Snapper

Smith also designed the product line’s first logo – an animated turtle wearing a top hat and bow tie.

The Snapper founder left Henry County, Ga., to fill engineering positions in Marietta, New York and East Point. He later returned home to oversee Snapper’s growth.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.