Service Details
PUBLIC viewing & visitation will be on Friday, March 26, 2021 in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home from 8:00 am – 10:00 am. PRIVATE family services will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park.
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW THE SERVICE LIVESTREAM ON FRIDAY AT 11:00 am: https://youtu.be/kAoPPyTJ2Zw
Sampson “Sam” Knuckles, age 73, passed away peacefully at home in Racine on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. He was born in Tyronza, Arkansas on June 26, 1947 to the late Joseph and Odesser (nee: Burns) Knuckles, Sr. Sam professed his faith as a Christian at an early age and was baptized at Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church in Tyronza, Arkansas. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Racine.
Sam was a Special Olympics superstar who earned many medals over the years. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, basketball, running track, fishing and making latch hook artwork. On October 17, 2002 Sam was hired to join the team at Lee’s True Value Hardware. His job was the center of his excitement, daily. Sam rode his bicycle back and forth to work with such joy and would often make several stops, along the way, to talk to others, as Sam never met a stranger. Sam became family at the hardware store and worked tirelessly until recently being diagnosed with cancer. He was previously employed at Color Arts and Good Will Industries, both of Racine.
To cherish his memory, his brothers and sisters, Sammie (Emma) Smith of Oxford, Ms, Jonnie B. Knuckles of Oakland, CA, Louise Smith of Racine, WI, Ora Gray of Racine, WI, Carey (Cheryl) Knuckles of Evansville, IN,; Earl Knuckles of Racine, WI, Ruby (Louis) Buckingham of Antioch, CA, Classie West of Racine, WI, Dorothy (Willie) Burnett of Anniston, Al, Altoria Edwards of Racine, WI, Jeff Knuckles of Racine, WI, Odesser (Greg) Maxie of Vallejo, CA and Harvey Knuckles of Quimper, France; uncles, Rev. Alfred (Fannie) Burns of South Carolina, and Dan Burns of Racine, WI; aunt, Edna (Aaron) Baker of San Leandro, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, Lee’s True Value Family and the Special Olympics Family, and beloved neighbors & friends – too many to mention all by name.
Sampson was proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph and Odesser Knuckles Sr., sister, Emma Knuckles; brothers, Deacon Joseph Knuckles Jr. and Rev. Tommie Lee Knuckles; sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Knuckles, Elizabeth Smith and Fabian Knuckles; and brothers-in-law, James Gray, Bill West, Sr., Charles Edwards Jr. and Nathanial Smith; aunts, Alma Farrow, Altoria Naylor, Dorothy Bowman and Julia Ellis; Mae Jessie Burns, Margaret Burns and Minnette Burns; uncles, Calvin Naylor and Carey Burns; nieces, Sheila Knuckles and Katrina L. Edwards; nephews, Michael Knuckles, Robert Knuckles, LC Knuckles, and Rueben Buckingham.
PUBLIC viewing & visitation will be on Friday, March 26, 2021 in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home from 8:00 am – 10:00 am. PRIVATE family services will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. You may witness the service via livestream on Friday at 11 am by clicking on the link located in Sam’s obituary on the funeral home website.
A heartfelt note of thanks to all of Sam’s family at Lee’s True Value Hardware, Sue Henry and the entire Special Olympics Team – we thank you all for many years of love & support. We also thank Aurora Medical Center, Cancer Treatment Centers of America & Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care given in Sam’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Louis and Ruby Buckingham says
We love you Brother,Sampson, until we meet again
Talantia Pirtle says
Rest well my buddy, I remember when I came to work at Racine residential you always had a cheerful conversation with me. You worked hard and was loved by all who encountered you. Fly high my friend you will be missed by many.
Therita Bogan says
The Bogan Family Sends Our Deepest Sympathy To Sam’s Family, We’ve Known Sam For Year’s.
Linda Miks says
In deepest sympathy over the passing of Samson. He was a dedicated worker and a Kind Person. I personally will miss him dearly
Steve Therkelsen says
My condolences to the family. Going to miss you Sam, my Special Olympics buddy!
Billups family says
Prayers and Condolences to the Knuckles Family.
Maggie Cobb says
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult. time .I had an opportunity to work with Sampson as he pursued his employment opportunities . Always motivated an determined to do his best. May your memories comfort you.
Dennis A. Thompson says
My prayers and condolences to Sam and the Knuckles family. Always a smile on Sam’s face at the hardware store.
Jo Ann Hattix says
The prayers of the Hunter and Anderson families are going up for entire Knuckles family in the days to come.
Lora (Jean) Elleby says
2Corinthains 1:3,4
“May our Lord Jesus Christ
himself and God our Father
who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and hope
by means of undeserved kindness comfort your hearts and strengthen you all”
Gerald Fergerson says
Rest in peace dear cousin, you are very much loved and missed by everyone who knew you.
Gamble Family says
Knuckles family
Prayers and our deepest sympathy to the family. Sampson will be missed at our Sunday dinners together. Rest in peace.
Mrs.tammy hand says
I will truly miss Sam my good friend I will always remember when talk about my old car it was so very funny 😄 beautiful man and a great person and a hard worker he has his wings for sure .
Altoria Naylor (Cousin) says
Praise God and I thank God for blessing me with my beloved cousin Sampson
I will truly miss his beautiful smile and loving hugs each time I visit Racine. He would always greet me with “Hey Cuz” and a Hug. I Love Him but God Loves him most. “Welcome Home Sampson “
Gerald & DeBorah Nowden 3101 Berthas Overlook, Douglasville, Georgia 30135 says
John 16:22 You also. therefore, are now, indeed, having grief; but I shall see You again and Your hearts will rejoice, Your joy no one will take from You.
Our Condolences to our Family
Bob Cluey says
Bob, Judy and David send our condolences. Sam was always Very Special to us. Will miss him.
Rayrorek@icloud.com says
We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Sam from Raymond & Joan Rorek as we knew him from special Olympics.