Samuel Lee Hellams

Mr. Samuel Lee Hellams received his celebratory wings on Sunday February 6, 2022.

After a long battle of illnesses, he passed away in his sleep at Rockdale Piedmont Hospital in Georgia, where he also resided with his daughter Gail and his son-in-law Kent.  Samuel was born October 3, 1933 in Gray Court, South Carolina, he was 88 years blessed. Samuel was a devout Christian and he loved the Lord. He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and his faith in God remained strong. Throughout the years, he frequently congregated and held memberships with several churches in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.  However his most recent membership was in Georgia, at the Antioch Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastoral-ship of Pastor James C. Ward. Samuel’s favorite scripture passage was the 23rd Psalm.  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”

Samuel was the eldest of five children, born to the parents of Boyce Hellams Sr. and Frances Lawson-Hellams.  Both of his parents preceded him in death, along with his younger brother James  Hellams, sister Airlessia Burgess, his wife Vivian Hellams, a son Devin Hellams, four nephews and a brother-in- law, Gussie Abrams. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving sister, Ruby Abrams, brother Boyce Hellams Jr.  two daughters Gail Renae Banks-Boyd (husband Kent) and Pamela Ann Hellams-Heflin (husband Lawrence). Three grandsons Danny Earl Banks Jr, (wife Candace) Phillip Heflin and Jonothan Heflin. Five great grandchildren: Carsyn Grace , Danny Earl III, Aja N’ Lena Ann, Teyana Monet, Jayden Miles and a host of loving nieces and one special nephew, Ricky Burgess. 

Samuel (aka) Sammie attended Sanders High school in Laurens, South Carolina. He also attended a vocational trade school in Michigan.  Sammie also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1962 as a tank operator in the Korean War. He later was hired at one of Detroit’s leading automotive companies General Motors, where he worked for nearly 35 years before his retirement.  He was also a strong advocate and supporter of his Local UAW organization. Additionally, he worked part-time as a maintenance janitor in the evenings at National Bank of Detroit for approximately 26 years. He later retired from that employment as well. Sammie was a hard and dedicated worker with exceptional work ethics. He was a natural leader and pacesetter, thereby mentoring others and aiding in their success.

Sam loved sports and especially his Detroit Lions, win or lose he was a diehard fan; you could always find him in front of a television with his favorite beverage, enjoying his football and basketball games. He also loved reading, particularly his newspapers and sport magazines, he enjoyed discussing politics, barbecuing, and having family reunions and social gatherings. Sam prided himself on being well dressed; he was always in a suit and looking sharp. He also loved Cadillacs, as witnessed by having one in every color more than once, during his tenure at General Motors. Sam had a cheerful soul, he loved to smile and laugh, but he also had a serious, no-nonsense side to him as well. Sam enjoyed spending time with his kids and family. He also displayed unconditional love to all of those who came to know him.

Dad, you will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. The memory of you will live on forever in our minds and hearts. Your physical body is now in a resting place, but your spirit lives on. We were not ready for you to leave us. But God has spoken. Amen.

Visitation Friday, February18, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at David Wysocki Funeral Home, 29440 Ryan Road, Warren, Michigan. Funeral Service Saturday, February 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with a gathering time starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Detroit Memorial Park West in Redford, Michigan.

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