AKRON — David Snyder, founder of DLS Tire Centers and former Tire Centers Inc. (TCi) executive, died Jan. 13. He was 80.
Snyder had a lifelong career in the tire industry, starting at BF Goodrich Co., which later was acquired by Michelin Group.
At Michelin North America, Snyder helped start TCi in 1986 and retired in 2010 as executive vice president.
After retirement, Snyder went on to found DLS Tire Centers, purchasing former TCI stores and participating in TCI's tire dealer network. DLS would go on to acquire several retail and commercial tire stores throughout the Midwest and Southeast.
Snyder's son Scott Snyder founded DLS Retreading Inc. in Fort Mill, S.C., in 2013.
"Tire retailing is something I have been very passionate about for a long time," Snyder said in a 2010 Tire Business article.
Snyder was born Nov. 30, 1941, in Akron. He earned a business degree from the University of Akron.
Snyder was preceded in death by his mother, Rhea Spikerman Snyder, and son D.J. Snyder.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty, three sons — Scott Snyder (Denise), Ryan Richards (Tara) and Sean Richards (Nicole) — and a brother, Terry Snyder, as well as eight grandchildren, a host of family and friends, and his constant companion, German shepherd Maverick.
"Dave was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends," his obituary reads. "Some of his greatest enjoyments were playing racquetball at the track and racquet (where he met Betty), taking friends and family water skiing on a houseboat in Lake Cumberland, annual snow skiing trips with his boys in Breckenridge, golf trips, teaching his grandchildren how to swim, and traveling around the world with Betty."
The family has asked for donations to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
Services are being handled by The Wood Mortuary in Greer, S.C.
