Samuel Cassels

Samuel Newkirk Cassels, 30, of Thomasville, GA, passed away unexpectedly on May 31, 2025. He was born on April 14, 1995, in Cairo, GA, to Kelley Cassels and the late John Cassels of Whigham, GA, both formerly of Freeport, IL.

Sam graduated from Cairo High School in 2013, where he was an active participant in the baseball and golf teams. Following high school, he earned his welder's certificate at Southern Regional Technical College, demonstrating his dedication and skill in the maintenance field. Samuel was a valued sawmill maintenance technician at Canfor Southern Pine in Thomasville, where he made many friends and earned the respect of his colleagues. A spiritual man, Samuel was baptized at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA and regularly attended Family Worship Center in Cairo, where he found fellowship and strength in his faith. He had a deep love for the outdoors, often spending his free time fishing, hunting, and searching for Indian artifacts; pursuits that brought him joy and connected him to nature.

Survivors include his mother, Kelley Cassels (Ken O'Neal) of Whigham, GA; Sisters: Kaitlin Cassels Johnson (Chris) of Tallahassee, FL, Lauren Cassels of Whigham, GA and Mallory Fruth (Andy) of German Valley, IL; nephews, John Johnson of Tallahassee, FL, Paxton Fruth, and Porter Fruth of German Valley, IL; and niece Presley Fruth of German Valley, IL; Uncles: Tom Cassels (Leizl) of Tallahassee, FL, Tim Schwartz (Joanne) and Pat Schwartz (Dawn) all of Naples, FL; Aunts: Vicky Schwartz of Freeport, IL, and Peggy Dixon of Cedarville, IL; Cousins; Luke Cassels of Tallahassee, FL, Richard Dixon (Sarah) of Evans, GA, Jeremy Dixon (Karla) of Shelbyville, IL, Alex Schwartz (Charlotte) of Cincinnati, OH, and Nathan Schwartz (Stefani) of Gurnee, IL; Great Nephews: Parker Dixon and Carson Dixon of Evans, Ga, Jeremia Dixon of Shelbyville, IL, and Great Niece Mackynzie Dixon of Shelbyville, IL.

Samuel is preceded in death by his father John Cassels, Paternal Grandparents: James and Marion Cassels of Joliet, IL and Alice Stafford of Tallahassee, FL, Maternal Grandparents: Orvin and Mary Schwartz of Freeport, IL, and Uncles: James Cassels, Cairo, GA and Daniel Dixon, Cedarville, IL.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Centennial Methodist Church in Cairo with Pastor Scott Easom and Pastor Johnny Moore officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rehoboth Ranch Ministries, 623 Country Club Drive, P.O. Box 208, Edison, GA 39846.