Reverend Samuel Frederick Sr.

Rev. Samuel Frederick, Sr., beloved servant of God and devoted son of the late Will and Viola Johnson Frederick, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 9, 2026. He was born in Dorchester County on March 8, 1942-a precious gift from God to his family and community.

Rev. Frederick attended public schools in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and was a graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. He continued his education at South Carolina State University and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. In 1990, he graduated cum laude from Morris College with a Bachelor of Theology and received the A. T. Eaddy Memorial Award for his positive religious influence and unwavering dedication to the Lord's work. In 2009, he received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Carolina Theological Bible Institute in Bowman, South Carolina, under the late Dr. James Tindell. He later earned a Bachelor of Theology from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016.

Rev. Frederick's calling and service to ministry were central to his life. Answering God's call, he was licensed to preach in 1968 under the late Rev. A. C. Wright of Warren Chapel Baptist Church in Orangeburg. He served as President and board member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, was the founding pastor of Greater Philadelphia Baptist Church, and served as a board member of the Carolina Bible Theological Center, remaining steadfast in his commitment to advancing God's kingdom. He also served faithfully as Pastor of Rehobeth Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina and as Interim Pastor of Exodus Baptist Church in Orangeburg. Rev. Frederick was the president of the NAACP Orangeburg branch for several years. In addition to his ministry, Rev. Frederick was employed as an 18-wheeler truck driver, bus driver, and security officer. His work history also included positions with Food Lion, Waggoners, and the National Advocacy Center (NAC).

Rev. Frederick had a deep love for God's creation. He enjoyed feeding birds, squirrels, rabbits, his dog Deke and even his neighbor's cat. He loved spending time outdoors, working with his hands, serving as a handyman, and had a special passion for working.

Rev. Frederick was the beloved patriarch of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Valerie Williams Miller, three brothers, George Frederick, James Lee Frederick, and Clarence Frederick, and two sisters, Minnie Lee Eason and Ruby Lee Campbell.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Doris White Frederick of Elgin, South Carolina. His cherished family includes two sons: Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Frederick,
Jr., U.S. Army (Retired), of Blythewood, South Carolina, and Major Alexander A. (Chandra) Frederick, U.S. Air Force (Retired), of Lakeland, Florida; three daughters:
Debra Frederick-Pelzer of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Christen Williams of Columbia, South Carolina, and Phyllis Abraham-Pelzer of Orangeburg, South Carolina; and two stepsons: Michael Martin, Jr. of Columbia, South Carolina, and Steven (Shanequa) Martin of Sumter, South Carolina. Four sisters-in-law, Queen Williams, of Blythewood, SC, Patricia White of Columbia, SC and Evelyn White of Dallas, GA. Helen White of Charlotte, NC; Six brothers-in-law, Alexander (Jimmie) White of Camden, SC, Joe L. (Charlene) White of Elgin, SC, Herbert White of Lugoff, SC, Willie (Betty) White of Pontiac, SC, Edward (Delorise) White of Columbia, SC and James White of Blythewood.

He also leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith and love through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A special niece, Joan Houser, and a beloved daughter-in-law, Marylin Ross-Frederick, also survive him. Though he has departed this earthly life, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his family rejoices in the promise of reunion in God's eternal kingdom.