Samuel Lee Smith

After many years battling Alzheimer’s, Samuel L. Smith has left this world to enter a place where there is no sickness or stress but an everlasting peace. Sam was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister and brother. Sam was born on August 12, 1936 in the house the Smith family lived in on East Second St. in Atlantic, Iowa. His father Theodore was born in Lewis, LA and his mother Leona (Reineke) was born in Atlantic on a farm. His brother Edgar and sister Phyllis also lived in town as well. Sam was the last of the Smith’s family from the Atlantic area.

In World War II, Sam relocated to California. During this time his brother Ed, entered the Marines where he lost his life at age 19 in Palieu, fighting for our country. Sam moved to Arizona where he gained employment with Garret, now known as Honeywell where he worked for 20 years and then retired. After retirement, Sam missed his hometown and decided to move back to Atlantic.

He met the love of his life Carole, in California in October of 1976 and they spent 35 wonderful years together. Sam was an awesome husband and best friend. When Carole was struck with an illness, Sam was there by her side every day. He was an absolute gentleman even when he was a little upset he would just go out and mow the yard and hit the trees with the mower. They had a rule never to go to bed mad at each other and he embraced and loved his step-children as if they were his own. He was there for every wedding as a loving father even walking each daughter down the aisle. He loved his grandchildren, playing golf with the boys and even remaining the wonderful man that he was to the ex-husbands.

Sam was a man with an enormous heart and smile that one could not forget. His loyalty, gentleness and peace in his heart was evident. He inspired, helped and was there for many people who needed an ear to listen. Sam was a proud member of AA had had been sober for 39 years. He welcomed several men into his home who had no place to go until they got on their feet. His philosophy on if you were having trouble in a relationship, double the dose of love.

Sam had one child, Samuel L. Smith, Jr of Amarillo, TX. and 4 step-children, Wendy (deceased), Kevin, of Torrance, CA., Kelly, Reno, NV., and Robyn, Copperas Cove, TX., 2 nieces, Linda, Kilgore, TX., and Melissa, Peoria, AZ., Sam has left many grandchildren, Kaye, Claudette, Tabitha, Christina, Brayton, Ashley, Shannon, Brandon, Sean, Cameron, Haley, Parker and Jennifer and many great-grandchildren.

Due to Sam’s battle with Alzheimer’s he lived in the Copper Village Memory Care Center in Mesa, AZ. He remained there for two years and received more love than anyone could imagine. It was his second home and he would tell the female caregivers he loved them and truly appreciated their care and love for him. The male caregivers and Sam had a “knuckle” handshake they would do and that was their way of expressing the deep care for him. There was not anyone who knew “Sammy” that did not stop and visit. Sam danced down the halls and always wanted to know when the next meal was being served. He had a heart of gold even until the end.

Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff at Copper Village and to the remarkable job Hospice of the Valley did caring for Sam on his good and bad days. He practiced what he preached and it was rewarded in the end with such loving and caring people. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

A scripture so fitting for Sam: I have come that they may have life to the fullest. John 10:10.

A memorial service for Sam will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 6747 East Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206. Visit www.MariposaGardens.com to leave a tribute to Sam.