Obituary of Samuel Sidney Blakely, Sr.

Samuel Sidney Blakely, Sr., 91, of Columbia, South Carolina, was called home by the Lord on March 05, 2023. He was born on July 04, 1931, in Andrews, South Carolina. He was the late son of William Needom Blakely, Sr., and Bessie Odelia Cooper Blakely. His life was well-lived and filled with god’s presence.

In 1940, he arrived on the campus of Epworth orphanage. While there he lost his right arm when an extractor machine started up with his hand inside. Despite having only one arm he did not consider himself handicapped. He could pin cloth diapers on, cook, clean, hang laundry on the line, tie shoes, drive, write out checks, etc.

He was the proud father of three children Samuel Sidney Blakely, Jr., Jennifer Lynn Blakely, and Michael Andrew Blakely. He also helped raise his niece Jennifer R. Spearman, and nephew Michael L. Spearman. He had a very lasting presence in their life. He was a member of Red Bank United Methodist Church, and before that, Suber Marshall United Methodist Church.

He was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife of 56 years Eula Mae Spearman Blakely, brothers James Edward Blakely, and William Needom Blakely, Jr., sisters Etta Blakely Johnson, and Estell Adell Blakely Ramp. He is survived by his sister Betty Blakely Smith, and his three children Samuel Sidney (Michelle) Blakely, Jr., Jennifer L. Blakely, and Michael Andrew (Debra) Blakely, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be greatly missed by all of them.

He will forever be remembered for his unconditional love, caring, and kind heart. Although our hearts are heavy, we will find comfort in knowing that he is in heaven celebrating and free from his broken human body. All are welcome to attend his visitation Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 am, service Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 12:00 pm, and graveside Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Thompson Funeral Home at 845 Leesburg Road Columbia, SC 29205.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make donations to the Epworth Alumni Association because Epworth was near and dear to his heart. Checks can be sent to Epworth Alumni Association, PO Box 682, White Rock, SC 29177.

For those unable to attend, the service will be streaming live through the following link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/6583427866