Samuel "Sammy" Charles Cashio

Samuel “Sammy” Charles Cashio, 89 of Rainbow City, Alabama died Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Sammy was born February 6, 1925 in Gadsden, Alabama to Frances Cusimano and Tony Cashio. He attended Gadsden High School and entered the US Navy in 1943 where he served in World War II and was decorated for his service in the South Pacific. Upon his return from World War II, he married Edna Callan Cashio and went on to have three children.

Sammy worked at Republic Steel for 38 years and owned and operated Tony’s BBQ on 3rd Street with his family until his retirement in 1987. During his retirement he enjoyed hunting, playing cards and spending time on the river with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed attending Alabama Football games and cheering on the Crimson Tide during football season. He was a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church in Gadsden. He was a former member of the Gadsden Quarterback Club.

He is survived by his children, Nancy Cashio Smith of Attalla, Steve Cashio of Sardis City, Sara Cashio Mills (Bill) of Birmingham; grandchildren, Lori Mills Gordon (Kenny) of Birmingham, Toni Smith Driskill (Eric) of Attalla, Cameron Weathington of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Samuel Charles Cashio, II “Bo”(Stephanie) of Weaver, AL; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Lena Joan Rietta of Birmingham, Frances McRae of Southside; sisters-in-law, Jo Cashio of Arab and Angel Cashio of Birmingham; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sammy was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Edna Callan Cashio; mother, Frances Cusimano Cashio; father, Tony Cashio; step-mother, Marie Ceravolo Cashio; brothers, Gri and Charles Cashio; brother-in-law, Samuel J. Rietta; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Kermit Parr; step-brother and wife, Frank and Jerre Ceravolo; stepbrother, Carmichael Ceravolo; and son-in-law Jerry Carl Smith.

Visitation will be at Collier-Butler Funeral Home from 6-8 on Friday, September 5, 2014. Funeral mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014. Father Jose Chacko will officiate. Burial will be at Crestwood Cemetery. He will lie in state from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Nursing Home in Pell City, Alabama for their excellent care of our father and especially to Larissa who called him her “Baby” and who went above and beyond to see that he was well cared for. To Doctor Helms, his nurse-practitioner Lisa, and their staff for the outstanding medical care provided to our father. Words can never express our thanks for all you did for him. To the nurses, aides and anyone we might have forgotten at St. Vincent’s Hospital-St. Clair County, you all are the best and thank you so much for all your kindness to our family during this time and the wonderful care you administered to our father. We love you all.

Pallbearers will be Sammy’s grandsons, Cameron Weathington and Bo Cashio, grandsons-in-law, Kenny Gordon and Eric Driskill, nephews, Anthony McRae, Mark McRae, Dexter Jenkins, and Macky Jenkins.

Flowers will be accepted or you may wish to make a donation in Sammy’s name to either St. James Catholic Church or to the school.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.