Samuel Orr, Jr.

The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC carefully considered this recommendation and ask that additional guest please participate via live-streaming if it is authorized by the family.

Memorial Service Celebrating the Life of Deacon Samuel Orr, Jr. will be conducted 5:00 PM Thursday, September 24, 2020 at J. O. & Annette Smith Memorial Chapel, 307 South Johns Street, Florence, South Carolina, directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Deacon Samuel “Singing Sam” Orr, Jr., was born on October 31, 1931 to the late Samuel, Sr. and Estelle Orr in Pineland, South Carolina. He departed this life on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina.

Samuel, known as “Sammy”, to his family and friends received his education in Clyo, Georgia where he lived with his grandfather, the late William Orr. He loved working side by side with his grandfather helping him plow the fields especially when he was allowed to guide his horse, Rosey. After the death of his grandfather in 1945, Samuel moved to Paterson, New Jersey to live with his sister, Marie Goodman.

In 1947, he met the love of his life Lucille “Cile” Boyd and on July 24, 1949 they were united in holy matrimony. From that union 11 children were born: Christine, Mary Ann, Kelvin, Debra, Donna, Victor, Beverly, Gail, Leslie, Kimberly, and Byron. With reverence to God, they sought to rear their children in the training and instruction of the Lord and always stressed to them the importance of having a relationship with God.

Samuel’s journey of faith in Jesus Christ began at Saint Luke Baptist Church in Paterson, New Jersey where he was baptized and served in various ministries including the Male Chorus and Mass Choir. He later answered the call and was ordained as a Deacon where he served for more than 20 years.

Samuel worked at Laythan Foundry for more than twenty-five years, Feldman Brothers Electrical Supply Company, and the Empress House for more than twenty years until he retired in 1997.

Samuel was a devoted gospel singer and at a young age he began singing with the gospel group, Royal Harmony. Shortly thereafter, he formed his own quartet group called the Zion Seekers and they shared the gospel message through songs for more than twenty years. Samuel later recorded an album entitled, “Snatch-A-Loose from the Devil” with The Mighty Stars of Harmony and enjoyed a career with various quartet groups for more than 50 years.

In 1997, Samuel and Lucille relocated to their newly built home in Darlington, South Carolina. In their prayerful search for a church home, they were led to Wayside Chapel Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina, where Samuel continued his service and love for singing in various choirs as well as serving on the Deacon Board.

Samuel always enjoyed spending time with his family and he thoroughly loved his wife, Cile’s cooking, especially her fried chicken. Samuel was known to enjoy a good meal as long as it was seasoned well! Samuel also enjoyed watching a good baseball game with his favorite teams, the NY Yankees, and the Atlanta Braves.

Samuel is predeceased by his wife Lucille; two sons, Kelvin and Victor; one grandson, Maurice; one son-in-law, Abraham; three sisters, Marie Goodman, Cornelia McCoy, and Sara Parson; and two brothers, Johnny Orr and William Orr.

He leaves to cherish wonderful memories: eight daughters, Christine (James), Mary Ann both of Paterson, New Jersey, Debra of Darlington, South Carolina, Donna (Stacy) of Rowlett, Texas, Beverly (Kevin) of Paterson, New Jersey, Gail (Mack) of Little Falls, New Jersey, Leslie (Jamal) of Dayton, New Jersey and Kimberly of Paterson, New Jersey; one son, Byron (Latasha) of Burlington, New Jersey; seventeen grandchildren, Rasche, Horace, Wakiem, Kenya, Kaliem, Rahmann, Shieneke, Kelvin, Kevin, Darcy, Victor, Douglas, Joshua, Stephon, Max, Miles, and Jade; forty-one great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; one sister, Laura Carver of Clyo Georgia; one brother-in-law, Robert (Jessie) of Paterson, New Jersey; along with a host of nephews; nieces; cousins; and friend.

Please keep the family of Deacon Samuel Orr in your thoughts and prayers.

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