And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4 KJV

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and cousin, Benjamin "Sam" Samuels, Sr. went from labor to reward. Sam was born in Dillion, South Carolina, to the late Marion Samuel, Sr. and the late Mary Magdalene Samuel on September 27, 1951, in Dillon, S.C. He received his education in the Portsmouth Public School System where he attended S.H. Clarke Jr. High, then on to I.C. Norcom High School where he graduated in the class of 1969.

"Monk" (as he was affectionately called by family) was an All-American basketball, football, and baseball player at I.C. Norcom High School. He received a full scholarship to South Carolina State College where he excelled in dual sports. He was Quarterback for the SC State Football Team and Catcher for the SC State Baseball Team.

He married his wife, Margaret Javette Faison, on December 17, 1971. To this union two sons were born, Benjamin "Sammy" Samuels Jr. and Randall Temple Samuels.

He completed his Undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Biology, 1975 and had the opportunity to work as an undergraduate assistant football coach under SC State's Head Coach, Willie Jeffries, during the 1974 football season. Sam was privileged to try out for the Dallas Cowboys and signed a Free-Agent contract, however a knee injury prevented him from moving forward with the team. In later years he received a Master of Education Degree in Counselor Education from South Carolina State College, 1982.

Sam channeled his passion for sports and education into teaching and coaching. He coached and mentored young athletes, instilling in them the values of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship He dedicated over 25 years of teaching at Baptist Hill High School in Hollywood, SC and I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA where he was known for his compassion and unwavering commitment to his students' success. At Baptist Hill he served as athletic director, head football coach and girls' varsity basketball coach. At I.C Norcom he served as boys' basketball coach and guidance counselor guiding countless students both on and off the field. His legacy as an educator and coach will be remembered by all who had the privilege of

learning from and working with him.

Sam was a remarkable man. He loved talking about family history, sports, philosophy, religion, psychology and was always curious about what was for dinner. His favorite was chitterlings with hot sauce. He was also known for his famous carrot cake made from scratch and steamed blue crabs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Mary Magdalene Samuel; sister Barbara J Samuel; brothers in law Theodore and Anthony Faison and sister in law Maryann Samuels.

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Margaret Javette Samuels of Ladson, SC; two sons Benjamin Samuels, Jr. (Twana); Newnan, GA and Randall T. Samuels (Jessica), Wake Forest, NC; one brother Marion Samuel. Jr., Colorado Springs, CO; three Sisters, Mary E. Samuels, Virginia Beach, VA; Helen M Simon, Norfolk, VA and Inez Little of Chesapeake, VA; sisters-in- law, Yolanda Denese Waymer (James), Orangeburg, SC and Rita Faison, Moncks Corner, SC; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Faison (Mary), Ladson, SC and Michael Faison, Moncks Corner, SC; and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you to share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Mr. Benjamin Samuels, Sr.for future generations to come.