Samuel Edward Stickley

Samuel Edward Stickley, 66, of Rockingham, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025. Sam was born on December 4, 1958, in Roanoke, Virginia and was the beloved son of the late Edward and JoAnne (Sarver) Stickley. He was raised in Bridgewater, Virginia and graduated from Turner Ashby High School in 1977. At the age of 29, Sam was severely burned in an unfortunate accident, which led to the discovery of congestive heart failure. Later that year, he underwent a heart transplant-an experience that profoundly shaped his life and marked the beginning of a remarkable journey as one of the longest-living heart transplant survivors. Deeply grateful for this second chance at life, Sam gave back by actively participating as a member of Team Virginia in the US Transplant Games during the 1990s and 2000s, proudly representing and uplifting the transplant community. He competed and won medals in ping pong and basketball. He is well remembered for training vigorously by running from his home on Wayside Dr to his work at Town and Country furniture in Dayton. His strength and perseverance was an admiration to many. Sam had a lifelong passion for finance and enjoyed investing as a personal hobby, but his true calling was serving others. His career was defined by meaningful, hands-on work that gave back to the community he loved. Whether volunteering with Habitat for Humanity-where he helped build multiple homes and recreational facilities like the Doug Will Tennis Center and buildings at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds grounds-or lending a hand wherever he was needed. Sam devoted himself fully to making a difference in the lives of others. Sam was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, where he served faithfully for many years as an usher. After his father's passing, he honored his memory by stepping into the role of Head Usher-continuing a legacy of service and hospitality that welcomed countless members and visitors to the church community. Sam was also a loving and devoted son, serving as loyal and compassionate caregiver to both of his parents in their lives. Sam enjoyed an active lifestyle with hobbies such as skiing and scuba diving, running marathons and walking 5 miles a day around his Belmont neighborhood. He first met Tammy Ward when they were students at Turner Ashby High School. Decades later, in 2014, their paths crossed again, and they found lasting love and companionship in each other. Together, they built a joyful life, full of shared laughter and adventures. Sammy and Tammy especially cherished their time traveling-taking numerous Carnival Cruises together, exploring new destinations, and creating lifelong memories at sea. Throughout these voyages, he found treasured friendships in many of the Carnival crew and guests. Everyone loved Sam, he was full of joy and had the kindest heart. He proposed to Tammy November 17, 2016, on one of their cruises and hoped one day for a big, beautiful wedding with many friends and family. However, during Covid, Sam began having pain that was diagnosed as Prostate Cancer. He fought the disease with immeasurable strength, enduring numerous chemo and radiation treatments, but sadly the cancer had progressed and metastasized throughout his body. In his final months, Sam found comfort, amusement, and peace in the loyal companionship of their cherished puppy, Bella. After his diagnosis, Sam was cared for lovingly by Tammy, never leaving his side. Later, with the help of his extraordinary hospice nurse Rachel, daughter Jessica and mother Helen, he passed away peacefully in his home. He is survived by Tammy; his honorary children, Jessica Shapiro and husband Kristopher, and honorary son Keith Howard and wife Jordin; honorary mother-in-law, Helen Ward; grandchildren, Owen, Annabelle, Corbin, Wyatt, and Amelia; uncle, Ray Sarver and wife Joyce; aunt, Linda Lovell and husband Tommy; and many cousins and their families who held a special place in his heart, including Steve, Karen, Bud, Debbie, Nicki, Ann, Johnny, Danny, Missy, Scott, Derek, Tammy, David, Tracy and Courtney. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, with Pastor Jon Heeringa officiating. Family will receive guests prior to the memorial service from 9-10:30 AM. Burial will be private. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Sam's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959. All flower arrangements ordered otherwise may be sent to First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.