Reverend Sam Cherry

On April 11, 2013, at 3:18am, our precious loved one stepped across the threshold to begin eternal life. He finished his journey here, but his beautiful life will forever be cherished in the hearts of his love ones. As in life, he departed with grace and dignity.

The Reverend Sam Cherry, formerly of West Burdick Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida, passed away at 3:18am at the Veterans Nursing Home in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was born on November 12, 1920, in Valdosta, Georgia, to the Late William and Lucindy Cherry. He was a member of the United States Army and received an honorable discharge.

During his early adulthood, he used his talent through a singing ministry and was a member of a religious quartet when he resided in Georgia. He joined Temple Baptist Church and was ordained a deacon who enjoyed praying and lining hymns.

Later, he accepted God's calling and received his: Preachers' license in 1962 and became an ordained minister on October 30, 1966. This was officiated by the authority and order of the Progressive Association of West Florida.

Reverend Cherry pastored several churches; Orange Hill Missionary Baptist Church, in Chipley, Florida; Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in Ebro, Florida, for 4 years, and Saint Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, in Freeport, Florida, for 26 years.

Reverend Cherry is a member of Union Springs Missionary Baptist Church, where he also became a Senior Associate Minister. He was very active and fellowshipped with other churches. During his stay at the Veterans Nursing Home, he continued to attend church services and had lengthy discussions with the chaplains. He also continued to enjoy singing hymns, and sometimes the nurses would hear him singing down the halls. He usually replied, "Yes, they always say I have a strong voice." When visitors came, he would share words of wisdom and sometimes a brief sermon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucindy Cherry; three sisters, Cora Buggs, Matilda Mitchell, and Inez Witt; his loving wife, Mattie Mae Miller Cherry; and one daughter, Bessie Jones.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reverend Sam Cherry, please visit our floral store.