Merle “Snuffy” Fregia, born Oct. 3, 1939, in Hardin, Texas, passed away peacefully at home in Hardin, Texas, with his family by his side on Sept. 14, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of strength, love, and perseverance.
Snuffy was a true outdoorsman who found happiness in the simple freedom of being outside. He loved to fish and hunt and was especially skilled at trapping hogs, raccoons, and crawfish. His adventurous spirit led him to ride and break horses, always embracing the next challenge and never backing down from hard work.
Later in life, Snuffy found a different kind of adventure in casino trips. He enjoyed the games, but what he treasured most were the bright lights, the laughter, and the friendships he made along the way. The bus rides became a special part of his life, giving him the opportunity to meet many people and make lasting friends.
Above all, family was everything to Snuffy. He treasured his grandchildren and loved spending time with them, always eager to teach them something new. One of the greatest lessons he passed down was simple but powerful: “Never quit.” If you truly wanted something, Snuffy believed you kept going until you found a way. He taught his family to be strong, to survive whatever life brought their way, and to stand on their own two feet.
Snuffy was a loving and dependable man who made sure his children never went without. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help, expecting nothing in return. He was strong, hardworking, adventurous, generous, and loving—everything all bundled into one.
His memory will forever live on through his daughters, Molly Parker; Muriel Jean Hilton and wife Jennifer; Pamela Hall and husband Prentiss; and June Dearing and husband Robert. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Jaime, Stephanie, Kristina, J.D., John, Amanda, Thomas, John Paul, Lashanda, and Nicholas, along with 28 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson, who will carry his lessons and memories forward for generations to come.
Snuffy was preceded in death by his parents, George Dewey Fregia and Lula West Fregia; his beloved wife, Joyce Laverne Fregia; his daughter, Dianne Nichols; his brothers, J.D. Fregia, A.C. Fregia, Ervin Fregia, Buddy Fregia, Bobby Fregia, and Woody Fregia; and his sister, Mollie Rives.
Honoring Snuffy as pallbearers are J.D. Hilton, Nicholas Pledger, Christopher Arnold, Joseph Arnold, Landen Ladner, and Isaac Nugent. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Cude, Chris Ladner, Alexander & Remington Rogers, Thomas Fregia, John Paul Pledger and Micah Dunkes.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, between 2 to 3 p.m. at Faith and Family Funeral Home in Batson, Texas. Funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at Faith and Family Funeral Home with Janita Rives Pantalion officiating. Burial will follow at Hardin Chapel Cemetery.
Though he is deeply missed, Snuffy’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the lessons he taught. His greatest gift was teaching those around him to keep going, to be strong, and to never quit.
Rest easy, Snuffy. Your work here is done, but your love, your stories, and your lessons will live on forever.