Samuel Y. Harkless

The Universe welcomed the presence of SAMUEL YOUNG HARKLESS on February 3, 1933 in Florence, South Carolina, and was given to loving parents, the late Sam Williams and Ada Harkless. He was the last of 7, three sisters and three brothers preceded him in death. Samuel, affectionately called “Sammie” and “Unk”, received his education in the South Carolina Public Schools, graduating from Wilson High School in 1951. He joined the United States Army in 1953 and served for 4 years. While in the Army he married the love of his life, the late Mabel Grier in 1956. To this union were brought forth eight children: Alma Lou (now deceased), Mildred, Betty, Sammie Jr. I (John), Debbie, Earl, Earnest and Sammie Jr. II (Nikki). Sammie worked for Chesapeake Paper Company for over twenty years and retired from there as a Master Machine Mechanic. Unk was a loving father and husband who loved the Lord with ALL of his heart. He served the Lord with gladness as he joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in the 1990’s and became an Usher. Unk was found every Sunday on his post, ushering in the children of God and making room for them to hear the Word of God. This brought him much joy and he did it well until his health failed. He retired as a Senior Usher at Bethel AME Church. An all-around man was he; a puzzle solver, a jokester, a chef, a barber, a sharp dresser, a lover of music (Toni Braxton could sing to him anytime), loved sports (Orioles and Ravens especially), imagine him playing basketball, and he was Mr. Fix-it, you name it he could fix it. He was a sum of all these and more. Unk was a reader of the Word and a teacher of the Word for he was divinely inspired by the Word of God. He would often call and tell his nieces and nephews to read certain scriptures. They did and the scriptures would be just the ones they needed for their situation. His daily practice of studying the Word was known to all. You knew not to call him from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for that was his time to commune with the Lord. Yes Unk, we shall never forget your smile that lit up the room when you greeted us; nor shall we forget your tender words of encouragement and instructions on becoming a good person. We shall always remember your love you shared and imparted to each of us how you wanted us to love each other. A Kind man, a Wise man, a Good man, a Spiritual man was he that loved people and they loved him, but God loved him best. Sammie had many friends for he was a friend to all. Unk will be sincerely missed by all who loved and knew him. On January 15, 2018, God saw His son getting tired and He lifted him up in his loving arms and carried him to His heavenly home. “WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, TAKE YOUR REST. WELL DONE”!!!!!!! He leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters, Mildred Rose, Betty Morcelo and Debbie Harkless; four sons, Sammie Jr. I (John), Earl, Earnest and Sammie Jr. II (Nikki); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and a host of other relatives, church family and friends.

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Samuel Y. Harkless

February 3, 1933 - January 15, 2018