Samuel Emmet Wilds Jr.

WILDS, Samuel Emmet Jr., age 96, of Lexington, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023. "Sam" or "Skeeter," as he was affectionately known, was born and raised in Chesterfield County, the eldest of two sons, born to Sam and Ethel Johnson Wilds. Two days after his graduation from Manchester High School in 1945, he began his WWII service in the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy with the 350th Infantry, receiving the Army of Occupation and WWII Victory Medals. Returning home, he apprenticed for four years as a machinist prior to a long career with Dupont, Reynolds Metal, and Phillip Morris. Early on his path he met and married Emma Harris and they shared 67 years together, raising a family, with devotion to each other and making many lifelong friends. They were active members of Branch's Baptist Church for nearly 60 years. Sam was a Free Mason for 70 years at Manchester Lodge 14. Family life included travel and camping and a commitment to education. Sam could fix anything. He enjoyed playing cards, especially canasta, and was a lifelong learner, enjoying woodworking and spending hours in his workshop. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Emma Wilds; brother, Linwood Buddy Wilds and is survived by his daughter, Constance Wilds Blunt (Warner); and his son, Samuel Emmet Wilds III (Kathy). He is grandfather of Lauren Blunt Armstrong (Tracy), Lindsey Blunt Beckham (Brandon), Warner Blunt IV (Alex), Gregory Wilds (Tara) and Jessica Wilds Stratta (David). He is great-grandfather to Toler, Kate, Jack and Ruby Armstrong, Andrew and Henry Beckham, Wesley Wilds and Isabel Blunt. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life Friday, April 14, 2023, at Branch's Baptist Church located at 3400 Broad Rock Blvd. Family Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Masonic Service and interment will be in the church cemetery. A luncheon reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to your favorite charity.