Samuel Nevels Sr.

Samuel Nevels Sr. took flight to heaven on Friday, August 29, 2025, with his loving wife and son by his side. Born on April 8, 1939, in Newbern, Alabama, to Mary and Andrew Nevels Sr., Sam Sr. moved with his family to Wilmington in the early 1950s. He graduated from Wilmington High School.

On June 24, 1961, Sam Sr. married the love of his life, Judith Ann Clemons. They shared 64 wonderful years together, building a life full of love, faith, and memories. They have one son, and Sam Sr. especially cherished his relationship with his son, Sam Jr., who was always by his side.

He built a long and accomplished career at General Motors' Delco Moraine plant in Dayton, Ohio, where he worked with pride and dedication for over 30 years before retiring in 1998. Sam Sr. grew up helping in his father's painting business, developing a strong work ethic and skill for craftsmanship.

Sam Sr. was an avid collector of unique ceramics. In retirement, he enjoyed building elaborate miniature Christmas villages-complete with towns, lighted buildings, figurines, and festive scenes. He took pride in his tools, his orderly garage man-cave, and his sharp suits. Sam Sr. was known for being a dapper gentleman who loved structure and detail. He also had a deep appreciation for his wife's cooking.

A devoted member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Wilmington, Sam Sr. served faithfully in many roles including Steward, Trustee, and Treasurer. His faith was the cornerstone of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Nevels; sisters Mary "Ruth" Fitzgerald, Virginia Kilgore, and her husband, Clifford Kilgore; brothers, Andrew "Andy" Nevels, Alfonso "Al" Nevels, and Ed Nevels; and mother-in-law, Gertrude Hudson.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Judith "Judy"; his devoted son, Sam Nevels Jr.; brothers, Daniel (Veronica) Nevels and Leautry Nevels; his father -in-law, Merle Hudson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce (Terry) Kittrell; nephews, Robert (Gail) Nevels, Allan Nevels, Lorenzo Nevels, and Jason Nevels; and niece Jodi Patterson; as well as a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM, Friday, September 5, 2025 at Quinn Chapel A.M.E., 50 N. Lincoln Street, Wilmington, Ohio. A funeral service with Rev. Daniel W. Nevels officiating will begin at 1:00 PM, Friday. Burial will be in Sugar Grove Cemetery followed by a repass at Quinn Chapel A.M.E.

Smith Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information or to leave a note of condolence visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.