Derrick L. Samuels

Derrick L. Samuels was born September 25, 1959, in Augusta, Georgia, to parents Leonard Fletcher and Carolyn Collier. He attended T.W. Josey High School in Augusta, Georgia, before embracing into the real world to chart his own path in life. Our father was someone who didn’t like to settle for too long in one place but one that embraced every aspect of life to the fullest. His passion for life was as bold as his love for riding motorcycles, and he lived every moment with a fearless spirit that embraced risks and adventure. Dad was a sports fanatic he found joy in shooting pool, skating, and any activity that brought people together. Though he was not a perfect man, he had a heart of gold that shone through in everything he did. A hardworking man in the security and health industries, his ambition and drive were second to none. He was a great listener, offering advice that was always thoughtful, and he brought a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to every conversation, no matter the topic. People respected him for his opinions and his role as a problem solver. Our father leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable memories—whether it was bar hopping, attending sporting events, sharing dinners, or celebrating with family for just about any occasion. He loved to celebrate life, and today, we honor him in that same spirit. Each of us, his children, shared unique and deeply sentimental moments with him, memories that we will forever hold in our hearts. He made us smile, laugh, cry, and yes, even made us angry at times. But none of that changes the deep love we carry for him. In his final days, Dad left an everlasting impression on our hearts. His words, spoken from his hospital bed, brought us peace and closure—words some of us had never heard before, but words that let us know how much he loved us. As we prepare to lay our father to rest, we do so with peace and confidence, knowing that his life was given to Christ most importantly and knowing that "Slim" is smiling down on us, likely making sure we’ve dressed him in his favorite blue suit. If Dad were here, he would want us to celebrate his life, not to mourn it—to honor him for the man he was. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Samuels; Brothers: Edwin Wells and Wilbert Wells; and Daughter, Crystal Samuels. Left to cherish his memory, his Father, Leonard Fletcher of Sacramento, CA; Sons: Derrick Thomas (Meisha) of Alexandria, VA, Rydell Samuels (Tuwanna) of Forney, TX, and Derrick Samuels (Samantha) of Corvallis, OR; Daughters: Carolyn Dukes (Jerrell) of Tallahassee, FL, Ceiselle Flowers of Tavares, FL, and Alexis Byrd of Biloxi, MS; Brothers: Lathaddius Lamar Taylor of Augusta, GA Michael Wells of Ocoee, FL, and Dexter Wells, of Kissimmee, FL; Sister, Ruth Tookes (Willie) of Mascotte, FL; and a host of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, other loving relatives, and friends. Rest in Heaven, Dad. Forever in our hearts.

Tributes

Derrick L. Samuels

September 25, 1959 - August 27, 2024