Samuel Marion

Samuel Eugene Marion (Thomas) also known as “Big Sam & Big Red” was called from his physical body at Kent General Hospital, and found himself in the presence of the Lord Saturday, February 15, 2014. He was born September 10, 1942 in Key West, Florida, to the late Eva Thomas Nixon. Sam was raised by his grandmother, Nora Smith Thomas along with Florine “Bunchie”, Frank “Joe”, Timmy, Boreece, Kathy, Dennis, Sarah, Brenda, Liz, and James “Chapman”. Sam had a very generous soul was well known, and respected. He worked doing odd jobs and carpentry. Sam grew up in Key West, and was a Hydro maniac (excessive love of water) and avid Fisherman. He worked on a shrimp boat from Tampa to Texas. Sam’s last trip, the Summer of 1969, took him to Delaware where he met ‘Odessa’ (who later became to be known as Bessie). Sam worked with the horses at Harrington Race Track, Sea Watch in Milford, and worked construction with his Brother James Herbert Anderson. Then Sam worked many years with Burris (which later became Country Pride, Con Agra, and now Perdue). In his final months, Sam was cared for by some special ladies and gentleman when he resided in a rehab facility. They were Latoya Purnell and Tara Wright, and James Paige of Pinnacle. Sam loved his extended family/friends, his children, and especially grandchildren (whom he adored). He adopted other children over the years. Demarcus Russ, Cherry White and their children, Shamikia Ewell and her children, Annette Jefferson and her children, Alneshia Giddens and her son, Te’ona Benson-Armstrong and her children, and his Peachtree grandchildren Destiny, Kayshia Copes; Janae Lewis; Ronee Johnson. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Nora, mother Eva, brother Donald Leroy Bennett, George Polk Sr. and Pete Whitehurst, sisters Laura Frances Smith, Margaret Ann Russ, and Ida Mae Brown, nephews Ward Stephen ‘Polkie’ Smith, James Blackwell Jr., and Philip Bryant, nieces Shinice Yvonne Johnson and Kimberly Anderson, great nephew Cameron Xavion Russ, and great niece Jessica Smith. Sam is greatly loved and deeply missed. He leaves behind to cherish his memory Bessie C. Russ-Marion of forty-four years. Son Joey Singleton of Key West, Florida. Daughter Cleola Hayes and her son Fransico Medina of Key West, Florida. Daughter Tabetha Eva Marion Russ-Malloy, son Philip Malloy and their children Philip Brian Jr. and Brian Eugene Malloy of Dover, Delaware. Daughter Samantha Ann Marion Russ-Young, son Shane Young Sr. and their children De’ja Samantha, Shane Tyrice, and Seth Thomas. Brother and Best Friend Bishop Lincoln (Bonnie) Stanley. Brother James (Patricia) Anderson Sr. Sister Patricia Davis-Brown, Shirley Garrison, Wardella Anderson (Clarence Rainey). Nephews Cameron (Kaneisha), Chad (Patricia), Jonathan (Anetra), John (Amanda) Russ; James (April) Anderson Jr.; Paul Davis; Dennis, Tony, Patrick Williams; Leroy (Tabatha) Holmes. Nieces Ida Brown Davis; Gladys Russ; Susan Smith-Blackwell; Laura, Angela Smith; Nichole, Consuela, Kailyn Anderson; Lakeysha Williams-Chambers; Classie Williams; Tuwanna Cannon (Hanson Horsey); Deborah Ketter; Sharon Spell; Linda Bennett Walker, Dr. Trina Lake (Carlos) Phillips. Thirty-six great nephews, twenty-eight nieces. Seven great-great nephews, twelve great-great nieces. Close and dear friends James Thompson, Elijah Simmons ‘Shortie’, Bruce Johnson, Alonzo Morris Sr. Numerous cousins, friends, and other family. Charge it to the mind and not the heart for anyone not mentioned. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel Marion, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Samuel Marion

September 10, 1942 - February 15, 2014