Samuel Tish

Born on September 29, 1928, in Grinnell, Iowa to Reuel E. Tish and Florence Baltzley DeYoung, Samuel Arlon Tish was the eldest son of five children. As an Iowa farm boy, the locals nicknamed him “Jack”, a name which stayed with him his entire life. Samuel graduated from East High School at age seventeen years and enlisted in the U.S. Navy within one month of graduation.

Serving in the U.S. Navy for over 23 years (both Enlisted and as an Officer, having graduated Officer Candidate School in 1957), Samuel rapidly transitioned in his Naval career from Yeoman to Communications Officer to Commanding Officer. His ships included the USS Aludra (AF-55), USS Goodrich (DDR-831), USS Cormorant (MSC-122), and USS Albatross (MSC-289). He was proud to serve his country during post-World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Additionally, he was honored to transcribe the notes for the book series “The Sea War in Korea” during his assignment at the Pentagon.

On June 2, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Samuel married Beverly Joyce Slack, his life-long love of nearly 71 years. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Sheryl Lynn (1956) and Doreen Renee (1960).

Following his 1969 U.S. Naval retirement, Samuel earned his Bachelor’s and later his Master’s degrees at Florida Technical University, Orlando (now University of Central Florida). Samuel completed his 25-year second career as an educator, retiring in July 1996 from Valencia Community College.

As an altruist, Samuel attained proficiency as a Master Mason in 1964, joined the Scottish Rite (32nd degree) Mason, and the Bahia Shrine (1983) where he was in the Legion of Honor for 18 years serving as State Commander of all Legions of Honor Units in Florida. In 1996, he was initiated into York Rite Masonry. He became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Order of Amaranth in 2001.

A devout Christian, Samuel served his Lord for over 50 years as a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, Casselberry, holding multiple positions including Financial Secretary and Church Congregation President.

A loving husband and devoted father, he wished to be remembered saying, he “enjoyed his students, loved his wife, and adored his daughters.”

He is survived by his wife Beverly Joyce, and his two daughters Sheryl Lynn (Doug) Jackson of Sanford; and Doreen Renee (Lance) Johnson of Maitland, as well as six grandchildren, and brothers E. Neal, Gerald, and Ronald. He is predeceased by his sister, Aleen.

On May 2, 2022, Samuel received a holy death and resides with his Heavenly Father. To God All Praise and Glory.

A funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 2140 FL-434, Longwood, FL 32779. A graveside service with military honors for Samuel will be held Friday, May 6, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 TEMPLE DR, WINTER PARK, FL 32789.