Sammie Lee King, Sr.

A search to define the name “Sammie” reveals that it means “God has heard.” How befitting for such a man, such a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, employee, and Child of God—Sammie Lee King, Sr. Sammie was a man who daily called upon the Lord and lived his life connected to God. His life was a reflection of Quiet Strength, Confident Courage, and Remarkable Resilience.

On January 9, 1954, in Columbus, Mississippi, Mr. Willie King, Sr. and Ms. Julia Mae Williams welcomed their child, Sammie Lee King, Sr. into the world.

At an early age, Sammie confessed Christ as his Savior. Later, he united with Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as an Usher and Tour Guide. Sammie’s relationship with God was personal and genuine. His faith was not simply something he professed; it was an essential part of how he lived. Through every season of life, his trust in God provided him with strength to press forward.

Sammie approached life with unwavering integrity, a kind heart, and a steadfast determination to keep moving forward. Sammie was also a man who understood the value of hard work and commitment. He was employed with American National Can (REXAM) for 32 years, a testament to his dedication and loyalty, before retiring in 2011.

Those who knew and loved Sammie will forever carry memories of his life, his laughter, his strength, his wisdom, and the many experiences shared with him. Though his earthly journey has ended, his impact continues through the lives of those he loved.

Preceding Sammie in death and now welcoming him into eternal rest are his beloved parents, Willie King, Sr. and Julia Mae Watson; his brothers, Lee Williams, Willie King, Jr., and Kenny Williams; and his daughter, Ardella Smith. We give thanks to God for their lives, their memories, and the love they shared with Sammie during his earthly journey.

Left to cherish his precious memory and honor his legacy are his loving wife, Terry S. King; his four devoted children, of whom he was immensely proud: DeAngela King of Atlanta, Georgia; Sammy King, Jr. of Suwanee, Georgia; Cortez Tolbert (Knigia); and Rapheal King (Jessica); and his beloved grandchildren: Briana Owens, Artevius Smith, Aryanna McSwain, CJ Clements, Cortez Tolbert II, Cameron Fisher, Rylee King, Harlem King, and Brooklyn King.

Also cherishing his memory are his sister, Margaret King; his brothers, Cedrick (Chrisandra) Magwood and Marius (LaToya) Copes; his sisters-in-law, Patricia King and Alexia Addoh-Kondi; his brothers-in-law, Roderick Holt and Jarius Tolbert; and a family tree filled with loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, church family, co-workers, neighbors, close friends, and community members.

Each of you became a part of Sammie’s story. Your love, friendship, laughter, conversations, prayers, and shared experiences left an imprint upon his life that will never be erased. For every moment you shared with him, we say thank you. We honor the love you gave, the memories you created, and the place you hold in the life and legacy of Sammie Lee King, Sr. And so, we return to the meaning of his name: Sammie—“God has heard.” God heard his prayers. God heard his cries. God heard his heart. God sustained him through every hill and every valley. And now, after a life lived in faith, love, strength, and resilience, we believe God has called His faithful servant home. Well done, Sammie. Your work on earth is complete. Your legacy lives on. And the God who heard you has welcomed you home.