Samuel Lee Smith, Sr., 91, departed this life on Friday, Dec. 15, 2016, at Vaughan Regional Medical Center.

He confessed Christ at an early aged and joined the Sandridge Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and received the American Campaign Medal. He worked for Henry Brick Yard Company, Inc.

And, for 40+ years (until he was unable to do so), he drove a taxi cab.  He first drove for Southwind Cab Company.  Later, he drove for Deluxe Cab Company.  Finally, in the early 1970s, he became a founding member and driver for Eastside Cab Company.  He was fondly known by all as “74.”

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 64+ years, Juanita “Nita”; five sons:  Samuel Lee, Smith, Jr. (Hyde Park, MA), Leo (Pam) Smith (El Paso, TX), Anthony (Deidre) Smith (Brockton, MA), Robert Lee (Betty) Allen (Selma), Kenny (Elnora) Allen (Selma, AL); four daughters: Susie (Dwight) Miller (Dorchester, MA); Malvina (Michael) Harrison (Selma), Rose Allen (Selma), Patricia Allen (Ft. Wayne, IN);  one sister: Lula Mae Suttles (Selma); two sisters-in-law:  Lucy Lincoln (Durham, NC),  Mollie Smith (Selma); thirty-one grandchildren; a devoted family friend: Derriket Givan (Selma); and many, many other relatives, friends, caregivers, and former passengers.

Under the direction of Miller Funeral Service, Randall J. Miller, Owner, visitation and viewing will be Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, from 5-7 p.m. at Miller Funeral Service Chapel.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Sandridge Baptist Church, Rev. M.E. Brown, officiating.  Burial, immediately following funeral service, will be at New Live Oak Cemetery.