Derrick Bernard Samuel

July 10, 2017

Deacon Derrick Bernard Samuel, 56, departed his earthly life on Monday, July 10, 2017, at John D. Archbold Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia. A Celebration of Life service was held Sunday, July 16, 201,7 at 3 p.m. at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, The Rev. Vincent L. Wilson Sr., Pastor, and Minister Otis Sheffield presider.

He was born to the late Wilson Samuel and the late Hattie L. Green on July 19, 1960, in Bainbridge, Georgia. Deacon Samuel was raised in Rochester, New York, where he accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Kendall Mills, New York. He received his education in Rochester City School District and graduated from James Madison High School in 1979. After graduating high school, Deacon Samuel attended Mississippi Industrial College, where he studied Industrial Engineering.

Following his matriculation at Mississippi Industrial College, Deacon Samuel moved to Bainbridge, Georgia, where he joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. During his thirty-plus-year tenure at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon Samuel faithfully served as a Deacon, Secretary, and Choir member. Additionally, he sang with the Spiritual Wonders of Bainbridge for over twenty years.

Deacon Samuel worked at Shaw Industries for over thirty years as an Industrial Mechanic. In addition to his work, he also loved to spend time with his family, paint, and do woodwork.

Deacon Samuel was preceded in death, respectively, by his sister Gwendolyn Samuel, mother Hattie L. Green, and father Wilson Samuel.

Deacon Samuel leaves to cherish a loving wife, Raylisa Samuel; loving children: Derrick Lee, Ashley Samuel, Aleshia Samuel, and Allison Samuel; one granddaughter, Ava Bradley, whom he adored greatly; stepfather, Clarence J. Green; stepbrother, Lawrence Green (Leola); aunts: Ruth Parris of Rochester, New York, Iona Cason of Albany, Georgia, Mary Ethel Smart, Leola Tucker, and Ruby Samuel, all of Bainbridge; Uncle, Joseph Samuel (Diane) of Atlanta; sisters-in-law: Louticia McKelvin, Sandra Gordon, both of Bainbridge, Georgia, Beverly Roberts of Whigham, Georgia, and Betty Wheeler (Norman) of Plainsfield, New York; and brothers- in- law: Willie Jim West, Charles Gordon, Dwight Haire, all of Bainbridge, Georgia, and Franklin Gordon of Thomasville, Georgia. He also leaves to cherish his memory special cousins: Eddie Harper, Gwendolyn Gilbert, Cynthia Green, Paula Parris, Bobby Samuel, Carlton Floyd, Wanda Parris, and Barbara Oliver; and a host of additional cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

We, the family of Deacon Derrick Samuel, are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support for our family during this time of loss. The many expressions of sympathy and kind gestures have helped remind us that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Your kindness will always be remembered. It is our sincere prayer that God will shower His many blessings upon each of you.

Guyton Brothers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.