I have a family member that thought snakes were creepy nasty little things. She didn't care that I was getting one, and even my better half, who was terrified of them, was open to me getting one. I would suggest a ball python as well. We have a red tail boa, and she's a lot more "cranky" than the BP's. She's more likely to act threatening (as if a little thing like her could be threatening, hah!) than the balls. Like others have said, just educate your dad, show him some of the videos on youtube (I highly recommend SnakeBytes TV) and have a discussion with him about it. Find out what it is he dislikes about snakes and work with him to maybe change his mind. Best of luck!

Rick