Name: Visitation for Dr. Samuel J. Zeakes
Start: 2022-07-21T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-07-21T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford

Dr. Samuel J. Zeakes

June 3, 1944 - June 1, 2022

Dr. Samuel J. Zeakes, lost his gallant fight with bile duct cancer on June 1, 2022. Sam was the son of Samuel and Mary Zeakes of Tiltonsville, Ohio. He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Bev of 53 years; son, Jason Zeakes (Katrin) of Austin, Texas; daughter, Nichole Hawkins (Kyle) of Troutville, Va.; granddaughters, Natalie and Savannah Zeakes and Elise and Alina Hawkins; brother, Ray Zeakes; and sister, Mary Lee Boroski, both of Ohio.

Sam's passion for teaching and expectation of excellence inspired hundreds of students who now serve as doctors, nurses, medical technologists and other health care specialists. He was the recipient of outstanding teaching awards at both Marymount College in Salina, Ks and Radford University. He retired from RU in 2009.

The family with receive friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory in Radford, Va. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at St. Jude Church, 1740 Tyler Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sam's memory to either SECU House, 1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston-Salem NC 27103, or NRV Good Samaritan Hospice, 1160 Moose Dr. NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073.

The Zeakes family is in care of Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory, online condolences can be made at: www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.

MULLINS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Radford, Virginia

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jul. 17, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Zeakes

Sponsored by Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford.

27 Entries

Russell Simpson

August 9, 2024

I just learned of Sam's death today. I am heartbroken! Sam was the best! I haven't seen him in years but wanted to reach out to him today because of a memory that popped up on Facebook. I know I'm 2 years late... but my condolences to Sam's friends and family!

Same was my professor, my counselor, my mentor, and my friend. This news is devastating!

Gary Kessinger

November 23, 2022

I had Dr. Zeakes for A&P at Radford University. He was a passionate professor doing whatever he could to help his students master the material. His A&P classes will never forget his rendition of the duet "Islands in the Stream " by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers in order to help us understand Islets of Langerhorn.

Shirley Rivers

July 26, 2022

I will always remember Dr. Zeakes with great respect and fondness. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

patricia boesel

July 24, 2022

Sam especially was the best of friends a person could have. He taught the younger kids to skate and skated with the ones his age every week. He was admired by all. His death hit me hard.

Kristy & Tim Fuhrer

July 24, 2022

When I worked in the floral department at Kroger, Sam would always greet me with a smile and a “Hi, Sunshine!”. Ironic, since HE was the one who brought the sunshine! He absolutely brightened the day for everyone around him. I later discovered that my husband knew Sam at Radford University. We both agreed that he was such a pleasure to be around!

I can’t say either of us knew Sam particularly well, but he made a profound impact on both of us. We loved and admired the kind of man he chose to be in this world. We will miss him greatly and remember him well!

Mike Aamodt

July 24, 2022

Mike Chatham said it best - Sam had a way to brighten your day. That 30-second greeting as we passed each other on the way to teaching a class always made my day better. He was loved by his students and the RU faculty. His smile and sense of humor will be missed.

Alastair & Eleanor Harris

July 23, 2022

Dear Bev, Jason, & Nicki, we were saddened to hear of Sam´s passing. We know that life is somehow quieter & less vibrant without Sam. He was a force of nature. We hold dear all our memories of Radford & the people who made those years so very good & wonderful. Please know that we are thinking of you. Alastair & Eleanor Harris

Deborah Reedy

July 21, 2022

Dr. Zeakes was one of my favorite professors, but much more than that a friend. He was a wonderful human and I feel blessed to have known him. Prayers for peace to his family and friends.

Margaret Devaney

July 21, 2022

My heart and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving. Sam was a truly wonderful person who meant so much to so many. I am sure the precious memories will provide comfort..my deepest condolences to Bev and family.

Carol Geller

July 20, 2022

Sam was such a great friend and co-worker, and he will be so missed. I enjoyed working with Sam on a grant at Radford University and learned so much from him. He set the bar high for all of us, but he had a great sense of humor when things got complicated. He was a respected researcher and teacher and will live on through his students and friends. My thoughts and prayers to Bev and family.

Mike Chatham

July 20, 2022

I could always depend upon Sam to brighten the day (and everyone else's for that matter) and to give me the latest news on KSU Football. I will greatly miss having those conversations with him. Bev and family, please accept my deepest condolences.

Jason Davis

July 18, 2022

I'm so sorry to hear about Sam's passing. I came into the biology department at Radford the year that Sam left and even as he was headed out the door he took the time to give me rock solid advice and deep insight into being a professor. He was also supportive to me for years after; kind, energetic, enthusiastic and honest. His incredible attitude toward students made him a role model and an inspiration to hundreds, if not literally thousands, of people. He made the world a better place for being in it.

Kim Chesson

July 18, 2022

We so enjoyed getting to spend time with Sam and Bev over the years at holiday gatherings and he is family to us. He was always so much fun to be around and so kind to our daughters treating them like honorary granddaughters. We all have such good memories of his sense of humor and and willingness to discuss anything related to science - which we all love. Sam touched our family and he will be missed.

Pat and Flip Shoemaker

July 18, 2022

I remember Sam as an outstanding educator who showed me early on how to keep our focus and care on students. His work at Radford University inspired many students and teachers. Sam always had such a kind demeanor. Even when Flip and I would just chat briefly with him and Bev in Kroger, he left us with a lighter heart. He was a joy to be around. Though Flip and I are home quarantining with Covid and regretfully cannot attend services, we pause over the next days to honor Sam's remarkable legacy and kind heart. To Bev and family, may those who love you bring you comfort and peace during this time.

Marty & Kathy Turnauer

July 18, 2022

San was always interested and interesting both on and off campus. We always considered him close no matter how far we lived apart. We know how much he lived to teach and guide students down the best academic paths.

Norma Graff

July 17, 2022

I was 5 years old when Butch taught me to roller skate at Tiltonsville Roller Rink. My mom, Barbara (Smith) Norris would take me skating quite often and I always looked for Butch to twirl me around a few times.

Helene Berrett

July 17, 2022

Many years later and I still remember Dr. Zeakes as one of my favorite teachers at Radford University. I am saddened to hear of his passing.

Mike Seroke

July 16, 2022

Beverly and Family,
Deepest sympathies on the passing of Sam. We had such a great time at our last class of 62 reunion in Yorkville. My wife and I so enjoyed being with You and Butch and dancing to our favorite songs of the 60’s. I will always cherish the memories of the fun that we had with the two of !

Dee Gordon

July 15, 2022

Dradfo

Deepest sympathies in your loss.Sam was valued for al! he did for the Radford University community
Radford University community

Dee Gordon

July 14, 2022

Deepest sympathies. So hard to lose a partner after 53 years

Jerry Kovalski

July 14, 2022

Sam,
I think about our recent phone conversations and getting to know that we had more in common than just being cousins. God bless you and your family.

Lora

July 14, 2022

May God´s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4

Orion Rogers

July 13, 2022

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Sam Zeakes. He was a legendary teacher, advisor, and mentor to thousands of students who are now physicians, nurses, medical technologists, healthcare providers, and professors. He was committed to providing exceptional learning experiences to his students and supporting them to achieve professional success. Sam was a dedicated colleague who worked diligently to enhance the academic reputation of Radford University. Dr. Bev Zeakes and family have my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.

Lois Brunner

July 11, 2022

Wonderful man an teacher.I got to know him when my daughter went to Radford. Unv.He was her teacher she took up science she wanted to be a med tech.He introduce her to the right people an helped her get in a program at Roanoke Hospital.She worked there for 7 yrs
Now she works at Nrv.Cancer center .She seen him a lot there as a med.tech.She sure misses him.She loved him so

Crystal Brunner

July 11, 2022

Dr Zeakes was an excellent teacher and Mentor during my time at Radford University. He advised me and led me to my Degree in Medical Technology. But even when school finished we maintained our bond and kept in touch. It was with a great honor I was able to take care of him at the Cancer Center and show him how he made me the technologist I am today. I will miss him dearly but his presence in my life will no be forgotten. He will always have a profound impact on who I have become professionally and as a person. My thoughts are with you Bev and the rest of the family.

Betty Young Smith

July 11, 2022

So sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Zeakes was a very nice man. Prayers for the family.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results