Samuel Sayles
May 20, 1934 ~ March 29, 2017
Services for Samuel Sayles will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 at St. Paul Baptist Church. Burial will follow at New Mountain Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City. Mr. Sayles will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2017 at the funeral home.
Samuel Cleon Sayles of Ore City, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the age of 82, in the loving comfort of his home.
Cleon was born to the late Tommie L. Sayles and the late Minnie O. Sayles-Hollins on May 20, 1934 in Upshur County, Texas, one of four siblings born of that union. He graduated from New Mountain Public Schools in 1952. Shortly after graduating he began to work for Lone Star Steel. While working, he was drafted in the United States Army where he served as a Military Officer from 1957 through 1959. After receiving an honorable discharge from the U. S. Army, he then returned to his career working at Lone Star Steel as a Foreman. After 22 years in 1983, Cleon retired and later began his passion for farming and produce sales. He was committed to farming for over seventy years, often using this passion to provide for his family as well as the local community.
In 1956, he fathered his first child Clara “Net” Royal. In March of 1957 he married Imogene “Gene” Wesley and to that union a total of three children were born: Sheldon, Cleontine and Stefanie.
He was an active and faithful member of New Mountain Baptist Church, where he served as the Deacon until his health started to decline.
On December 27, 1996 Cleon married Janet L. Holomon-Sayles, whom he loved dearly. Their union consisted of seven children, eighteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Cleon was a great role model for his family, often instilling biblical morals and values they could use throughout life to make them successful. He was also a highly-respected mentor and beloved figure outside the family, known affectionately as “Pops” by neighbors.
All that knew him knows one of his greatest enjoyments was sports. He especially loved basketball and baseball. He was a pitcher for the school’s baseball team and a power forward for the basketball team. It was during this time that he was given the name “Skinny #8”. His passion and love for sports was passed down to his kids and grandkids. Cleon when older in age could no long play, however enjoyed watching basketball on T.V with his grandson Troy. They could spend hours talking about a game.
His role and presence as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grand father, uncle, friend and precious pillar of the community will be dearly missed, but not forgotten.
He is proceeded in death by: Father and Mother; Tommie L. Sayles and Minnie O. Sayles-Hollins, Adoptive Mother Catherine Darden (Aunt Cat) and Brothers; Thomas L. (Shane) Sayles and Earl L.; Sayles.
Those left to cherish his memories: His wife: Janet “Lynn” Sayles of Ore City, Sister: Dorothy Webster of Ore City, Clara Sayles (Sister-in-Law) of Dallas; Children: Clara “Net” Royal (Glyen) of Avinger, Texas, Sheldon C. Sayles (Andrecia Fobbs) of Ore City, Texas, Cleontine Sayles-Henderson (Jim) of Longview, Texas, Stefanie Sayles- Watson (Rick Rodgers) of Rowlett, Texas, Avery Parker (Trendolyn) of Lake O Pines, Texas, Yameka Parker (Anthony Ford) of Ore City, Texas and Roderick Parker (Nichole) of Pritchett, Texas. Grandchildren: Tamieka Stewart (Neal), David Royal Jr., Troy L. Sayles, Shenerika Abron, Shenika Abron, Tamila Sayles, Daquarius, LaTravious, Michael, Jaylon, X’auda, Trey, Cajay, Brayton, Devon, Cameron, Victoria, Tajerian. Great-Grand Children: Dashunna, J’kyri, and Kaelyn. As well as a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
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Ms Lynn and Family– I just want to send my deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of loss. Mr. Sam was one of the sweetest, kindest men I have ever met. He always had something nice to say and I don’t think I ever heard him complain, except for maybe about the heat. I know if God has a garden in Heaven, Mr. Sam will be there working. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during the coming days. Much Christian love to all of you, Mary Hall
Lynn we are so sorry for your loss and want you to know that we are praying for you and your family and we know that God will provide the strength and the peace that will get you through this time.
Family, I am sorry for your loss: Nahum 1:7 tells us Almighty God is a stronghold in the day of distress. He is mindful of those seeking refuge in him. Isaiah 25:8-9 tells us that Almighty God will abolish death forever and wipe away tears from all faces. I hope you find this Biblical encouragement comforting