Samuel Lee Herndon, 83, of Chattahoochee, Florida, passed away peacefully in Tallahassee on September 30, 2026.
Samuel was born to Connie L. and Elizabeth Herndon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Rotash; and his three brothers, Darwin Herndon, David Earl Herndon, and Jesse Herndon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce Herndon; his daughter, Brenda, and son-in-law, Bruce; his son, Paul; his granddaughters, Brandi and her husband, Brandon, and Brooke and her partner, Stuart; and his beloved great-granddaughters, Cathryn and Charlotte. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Buie, Lena Patterson, and Lorraine Register and her husband, Larry, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.
Samuel was a proud United States Marine and honorably served his country from 1964 to 1968, including 14 months of service in Vietnam. His pride in being a Marine and his love for his country remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.
Following his military service, Samuel continued a life of service through his 26-year career as a firefighter at Florida State Hospital. Whether serving his country, his workplace, his family, or his community, Samuel lived a life marked by dedication, loyalty, and a willingness to be there whenever he was needed.
After retirement, Samuel found another special way to share his time and talents through music. For more than 20 years, he was a member of the Thirty-Niners Choir, where he enjoyed singing, fellowship, and making memories with others.
Of all the titles Samuel carried throughout his 83 years—son, brother, husband, Daddy, uncle, Marine, firefighter, and friend—some of his most treasured were Nandad.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought tremendous joy to his life. He took pride in watching them grow and being present for the moments that mattered—from ball games and pageants to graduations and everything in between. His family never had to wonder whether Nandad would be there cheering them on.
Samuel leaves behind a legacy of service, faithfulness, family, and love. The lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the memories created during a lifetime of loving and supporting his family will continue through the generations who follow him.
He will be deeply missed, but the love of a husband of 60 years, a proud Marine, a devoted father, a beloved Nandad, and a man who spent his life serving others will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. EST at McAlpin Funeral Home in Sneads, Florida.
Visitation at 10:00 a.m and Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST at First Baptist Church in Chattahoochee, Florida.
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