Mr. Samuel Simon, Jr. was born on March 24, 1945 in Rahway, New Jersey to the late Charles "Charlie" Simon and Mary McDaniel Simon.  Though his earliest years were rooted in the Garden State, Samuel spent a formative and cherished chapter of his childhood in South Carolina, lovingly raised under the care of his grandparents, Jim and Ella Simon.  It was those Southern roots where the foundation of his character-his strength, his faith, and his deep love for family-was quickly being built.

Following the passing of his grandparents, Samuel returned to Linden, New Jersey to be reunited with his mother, Mary.  He attended LInden High School, where he came of age with a spirit that was ready to meet the world head-on.  At just eighteen years of age, he answered his country's call and was drafted into the United States Army, serving in the infantry division.  He complete Basic Training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, where his natural talent and discipline quickly distinguished him.  Samuel earned Sharpshooter Awards and was assigned the specialized role of tank driver-a testament to both his skill and steady, fearless demeanor.

His dedication to service did not go unrecognized.  Samuel rose to the proud rank of Staff Sergeant First Class (SSGT), where he took on the distinguished responsibility of indoctrinating and guiding new recruits as they arrived at boot camp.  He poured into those young soldiers the same grit and integrity that had carried him-leaving a legacy of service that extended far beyond the battlefied.

When his military service concluded, Samuel transitioned into civilian life with the same work ethic that defined everything he did.  He went on to build a long and honorable career with U.S. Metals and Refinery in Carteret, New Jersey, a position he held with pride before his retirement in 1985.  That milestone marked not just the end of a career, but the beginning of a new season-one that brought him full circle back to the place that had shaped him.  Samuel, along with his beloved family, returned to South Carolina to plant permanent roots in the land he had always called home in his heart.

Even in retirement, Samuel was not one to sit still for long.  Locally known as "Big Sam" and "Mr. Sam", he continued to contribute, working with local trucking facilities and chemical plants before embracing his well-earned golden years. And what golden years they were.  He could often be found under the hood of a car, restoring and repairing with the hands of a man who believed in fixing what was broken.  He treasured his time visiting family, faithfully attended church, and held court with his beloved circle of friends over coffee and conversation at the Waffle House-a weekly ritual that those who love him will never forget.

Samuel had deep and abiding love for old-school gospel music and not concert withing driving distance was safe from his attendance.  He lived for family reunions-and in all his years, he never missed one.  Not once.  He showed up, every time, because family was everything to him.

His grandchildren were the joy of his life, the fruits of his labor, and the living proof that everything he had worked for, sacrificed for, and prayed over had not been in vain.  As "Poppa Pig" and "Granddaddy", he watched the next generation flourish with a grandfather's pride that words could barely contain.

Samueld was preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Charlie" Simon and Mary McDaniel Simon; his grandparents, Jim and Ella Simon; brothers, James "JImmy" Simon and Eno Simon, Kenneth (Dino) Simon; sister, Phyllis Simon, and the irreplaceable love of his life, Addell McKenzie Simon.

He leaves to cherish his memory and his memory and carry forward his legacy a devoted and lvoing family.  He is survived by two sons, Francis Favor of Camden, SC and Samuel (Shira) Simon, Jr. of Greenville, SC; three daughters, Judith (Ernie) McCullom of Camden, SC, DeLIsa  Dawkins of Simpsonville, SC and Denise (Michael) Bridges of Spartanburg, SC; seven grandchildren, Tomeash Jenkins, Quamane Favor, Lea Simmons, Destiny (Issac) Phyall, Donovan Dawkins, Michaela Bridges and John Michael Bridges; one great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Ruben; one sister, Audrey (Brian James of Tampa, Florida and four brothers, Kimya (Estelle) Simon of Tampa, Florida, Capullo Simon of New York, Carlos Simon of Georgia and Esa Simon of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Mr. Samuel Simon, Sr. lived a full life - one of service, sacrifice hard work, and boundless energy and love.  He was a soldier, a laborer, a patriarch and a friend.  May he rest in the peace he so richly deserves reunited with those who went before him, and forever remembered by those he leaves behind

"Well done, good and faithful servant." -  Matthew 25:23

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, July 3, 2026 at Union Baptist Church, 5840 Spring Hill Road, Rembert, SC 29128.

Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson-Haile Funeral Home, 919 Church Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Courtesy of Beasley Funeral Home, Fountain Inn.