Horace "Harry" M. Samms

Harry is survived by his wife and partner of over 55 years, Fedricka Samms. His children, Wendy Samms Farmer-Stewart (Glen), Judith A. Samms (Julit), Rohan "Jeff" Samms (Valrie), Clayton Samms, Kevin Samms (Prisly), Arthur "Mark" Johnson (Linda), Norma Howard (Cornelius), Althea Johnson Vannoy (Ron), along with 25 grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-great-grandson. Brothers, Fabian Samms (Andanna), and Caswell Jr. Sisters Dahlia Aitherson-Samms, Ernestine Samms, and Kathleen Nesmith. Family and friends in Jamaica, West Indies, and across the world.

Harry is preceded in death by his brothers, Rudyard Samms, Larry Samms, Phillip Samms, Leon Samms, Stanley Samms, and a daughter, Yvette Samms.

Harry was born in Kingston, Jamaica, November 9, 1933, to Caswell Samms and Edna Barnes. He was the grandson of Augustus Samms and Emily Channer. As a child, he was a bit of a daredevil and he loved bicycle racing. He participated in championship racing at Knutsford Park in Kingston, Jamaica. He graduated from Kingston High School and Jamaica Technical Trade School as a welder. Harry migrated from Jamaica to Canada then to the US working as a welder. He met Fedricka in 1969 in Brooklyn, NY, through mutual friends and fell in love. After many years as a welder, he changed occupation and became an owner-operator tractor-trailer driver. Fedricka became his manager, bookkeeper, and human GPS as they traveled across the US. Harry loved being on the road, especially with Fedricka by his side. Summers were a time when his sons Kevin and Arthur would join them on the road. His experience as a welder and the trade skills he amassed over the years allowed him to overcome many challenges they encountered over the road. There were stories involving low bridges, snowy winters, wooden bridges, and mountain passes. After 15 years on the road, Harry retired from trucking and relocated to Orlando, Florida. He worked for Continental Airlines as a manager for several years before they closed down. He then went to work for Hertz as a shuttle bus driver for the employees. He stayed with Hertz until his final retirement at the age of 70. He took his first cruise for his 70th birthday and got the cruising bug; traveling to Alaska, several Caribbean islands, and Europe.

Harry loved his family and was a man of few words who spoke a lot with his eyes. He had a silly side, enjoyed a good laugh, and always had a smile for you. He gave sound advice when solicited. Harry loved old Western shows; The Rifleman and Gunsmoke were two of his favorites. With his health changing, Harry and Fedricka relocated to Titusville in August 2022 where he spent the remainder of his days.

He does not want us to be sad because he transitioned. It’s a journey we must all take. He wants us to remember that he’s in God’s hands, he loved life, he loved his family and friends, and he wants us to be happy.

His presence surely will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation gathering will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Brevard Memorial Park, 320 Spring St, Cocoa, FL following the funeral. Guests are welcome to join the family for a reception gathering at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Francis Reflections in honor of Harry https://reflectionslsc.org/donate/