Samuel Smith Jr.

On June 9th, 1942, Sam Jr. was born to Samuel and Eloise Smith at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in 1943 the family relocated to California. Upon arrival to California, the family united with the Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor James L. Richard, located on 36th and Grove Street. Sam received his education from Burbank Elementary, Willowed Junior High, and Oakland Technical High school. He served in the United States Army for two years, from 1958-1960. Being a jack of all trades and a master of none, Sam loved music and singing was his passion. With Sam, harmonizing was crucial and in the late 1960’s and early 1970's he formed a group called the Variation who opened for different groups performing in the Bay Area. He was also the manager of various Bay Area groups. The men’s chorus in Georgia was dear to him and he would open his home for rehearsals to ensure they were on point. In the early '70s, Sam attended trade school and became a Cross Country Truck Driver. He shared his knowledge with his brother Dwayne and his children Alphonso, Jerald, and Layla. Sam would often take them on the road and teach them the ropes of packing and moving furniture. He also made sure they were aware of how other truck drivers took advantage of people at the weigh stations. Sam loved God and loved going to and participating in church. The late Pastor James L. Richard told him “Always stay involved in church, for they are your family”. He took this to heart and was an active member serving on the Deacon, Trustee and Usher Boards. Sam truly enjoyed the usher march and took pride in his steps. His stride was unmatched as no one could march nor turn corners as he did on the Usher Annual Day. In 2006, Sam moved to Atlanta Georgia where he united with Divine Faith Ministries, under the pastorate of Bishop Donald Battle until 2015 when he moved his membership to The Tabernacle of Praise Church International under the pastorate of Rev T.J. McBride until the Lord called him home. Another passion of Sam was young people (this is how he stayed so young). He would pack up his Ford Expedition with family, extended family, grandchildren and the neighbors’ kids and take trips to the Manteca Water Slides, snow trips, and picnics at Lake Temescal. He was “the man in Charge” where children and youth were concerned, and he made sure they had what they needed for all the trips, and made sure everyone had a great time, whether in California or Georgia Message from Jerald: Even though you’re not my biological father you showed me how to be a man and keep a job so I could take care of my family. For this I will always Love you and I shall see you again. Fun Facts: Whatever Sam taught you to do, he wanted it done HIS way, the way he taught you, even if the results were the same in the end. Instead of him just calling and saying happy birthday he would make up his own version and beautifully serenade you. This will truly be missed. As time progressed family and friends would call and ask him how or what he was doing and his famous words where “I’m taking it slow and easy”. Preceded in Death: Samuel Smith Sr (father), Eloise G Smith (mother) and Cheri Hunter (daughter) He leaves to cherish his memory: Kathy Liggins-Smith (wife), Alphonso A Smith (Darlene), Janice A Smith, Layla A. Smith-Elliott (Jackie) and Jayla M. Smith (Daughter’s) - Extended Children: Jerald A. Smith, Minister JA Smith (Chameka) and Shawn Schmidt, Lavone J. Drain (Charles), Dwayne E. Smith (Rhonda), Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, his Tabernacle of Praise Church family and a host friends

Samuel Smith Jr.

June 9, 1942 - April 28, 2022