Samuel Leon Boddie

Samuel Leon Boddie

Samuel Leon Boddie was born on January 28, 1942, to Cyrus and Gladys Boddie in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Sam, was the eldest of nine children, born into a farming community. He hated farming and vowed that he would not dedicate his life to it.

Sam was the consummate "big brother" and told many funny stories of "raising" his siblings! He attended Nash Central High School, where he cultivated many life-long friendships. He regularly returned to his North Carolina roots to attend both family reunions and the annual Nash Central Alumni Weekend, up until May and September 2025, respectively.

He was a proud member of the Nash Central Class of 1960, and true to his word, he "ran away" to join the Air Force shortly after graduation. He told the story of going to the Nashville Recruitment Office, to complete enlistment paperwork, but was immediately put on a bus to Raleigh, without being able to go home to tell his family goodbye. He landed in Lincoln, Nebraska for boot camp. It there he met and later married Claudette McWilliams in 1963.To this union were born daughters, Robin and Linda.

Sam eventually ended up in Newfoundland, Canada, as a Warehouse Specialist, managing parts and supplies for Air Force planes. He received an Honorable Discharge in August 1966. He settled into civilian life with his family in Washington, D.C. Sam first worked for Bell South, then went to the fledgling United Parcel Service (UPS), as a package sorter and eventually an over-the-road driver. On the road "Cheyanne," his CB handle, loved to jabber with the other truckers, trading critical information on road hazards, "Smokey sightings" (police), as well as jokes and nonsense to keep each other entertained.

In the late 80's, after he and Claudette had divorced, Sam married Barbara Hale, of Fort Washington, MD. There were no children of this union. Barbara has one daughter, Robin and a grandson, Anton.

During his years in the DMV, Sam was known for giving awesome cookouts, fish fries, and parties - friends and relatives traveled miles to hang out at the Boddie's. Sam also loved to travel! He went on dozens of cruises to many of the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Hawaii, and other ports of call. Sam also loved to fish. He would tow his boat 50 miles to the Chesapeake Bay whenever he found the time. He would be on the Bay for hours and go home with coolers loaded with fish.

Next on his list of favorite things were classic cars. He could spot an old rusty 50's or 60's car, parked behind a barn while he was driving 70 mph on the highway!

He met Brenda (BJ) Mitchell through a mutual business opportunity. When Sam retired from UPS in 1997, he, BJ, and her daughter moved to Ormond Beach, Florida. They married in July, 1999 and she remained his faithful companion and later caregiver, until he passed.

Sam was a man that truly never met a stranger! He could, and would, talk to just about anyone he encountered! He was a jovial and fun-loving guy who enjoyed life! Sam is missed by hundreds of family & relatives, friends, former classmates, and former co-workers. He left a legacy of love and friendship for all.

Sam slipped peacefully from this life on Monday morning, January 12, 2026, in Rockville, MD. He has joined his heavenly family: parents, Cyrus and Gladys Boddie; siblings Peggy Battle, Cyrus Boddie, and most recently, Ruth Boddie Davis; son Jeffrey Moton; and grandsons JaVonté Boddie and DeCarlos Thomas. Leaving behind to cherish his memory are: his faithful companion of 29 years, Brenda (BJ) Mitchell; daughters Robin Bunch (Corey), Linda Peterson (Kenneth), Montessa Mitchell, and daughter-in-law Sydney Thomas-Moten; siblings Leacy Reynolds (John), Diane Boddie Battle (Melvin), Joseph (Clementine), Bernard (Carol), and Garland Boddie; aunt, Lillian Covington, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and hundreds of friends, former co-workers and classmates.

Sam will be honored with two memorial services:

January 31, 2026 at 11 o'clock a.m.

H. D. Pope Funeral Chapel

325 Nash Street

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

(252) 446-9696

Military Honors and interment in the DMV

Date (TBD, please check back in a few weeks for updates)