Samuel "Gumps" Lee Roddenberry

His name will always be “Gumps”. Five simple letters put together to mean so much more to so many. As Gumps traveled through his life, he lived what he believed…that kindness, generosity and love make the world better. He touched many lives in many ways. From gifting education to his children and grandchildren to sharing his engineering skills with those less fortunate than him, Gumps left each person in a better place. If you knew him, you loved him.

Samuel Lee Roddenberry, 86, of Tallahassee, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023. He was born to the late Edison and June Roddenberry on January 11, 1937 in Sopchoppy, Florida. Sopchoppy always held a special place in his heart as he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ by being baptized in the Sopchoppy River at the age of 12.

The love of family came easy to him as Sam was the second of six children. His siblings, James Roddenberry, Barbara “Babs” Chase, Elizabeth “Betty” Barwick (deceased), Mark Roddenberry (deceased), and Michael Roddenberry, remained close to his heart and in his life each day that they had together.

He graduated from Sopchoppy High School as Valedictorian and soon married his high school sweetheart, Nora Louise Edwards, on April 13, 1958. Sam attended the University of Florida for a semester after graduation, but soon realized the distance from Louise was too long and returned home. It was easy to see how very much they loved each other. That love affair lasted 65 years. While they are now apart physically, their love will always be an inspiration.

Sam started his long, highly successful career with the Florida Department of Transportation; serving as an Engineering Aide, Assistant Maintenance Engineer/Inspector, and Maintenance Engineer. His 33 year career cumulated with him serving as Florida’s Turnpike Bureau Chief for 9 years. After retiring, Sam quickly transitioned to the private sector with Morrison-Knudsen Engineering in 1988. As Chief Construction Engineer, Sam was instrumental in the construction of I-95; marketing Design and CEI services statewide. Internationally, he worked as Design Engineering Manager on a design-build project in Mindanao Province, Philippines for 18 months. Sam retired as MK Centennial’s manager of the Tallahassee Area Office.

True to his heart, God, and his practice of giving back to others, Sam was deeply touched by the poor living conditions of many Pilipino families on the remote island of Mindanao. He packed up Louise and their daughter, Suzanne, so that they could spend time with him while he designed and built roads on the island. They were some of the first Americans many of the residents had ever seen. Sam’s generosity blessed many friends he made along the way as he continued to financially help those not as fortunate as him. Sam continued practicing as an Engineering Consultant until 2011.

For most, a highly successful engineering career would have been enough, but not for Sam. Having joined the Army Reserve in 1960, he retired after 20 years with the rank of Master Sergeant. He loved this country like he loved his family and was proud to serve. With a twinkle in his eye and his huge smile, he teasingly referred to himself as an “Army Man” all while flexing his muscles. His family loved his sense of humor and his humility.

Gump’s family has always been the center of his world. He and Louise have three children: Samuel Stanley “Stan” Roddenberry, Bryan Shelton Roddenberry (Angela), and Suzanne Roddenberry Wilkinson (Ben). His six grandchildren: Sarah Elizabeth Palowitch (Brendon), Alexa Nicole Roddenberry, Samuel Moffitt Roddenberry, Michael Anthony Roberts, III “Trey” (Elisabet), Taylor Leigh Roddenberry, and Brooke Elizabeth Roddenberry. Gumps was also blessed with six bonus grandchildren: Benjamin Hooper Wilkinson III “Hooper” (Olivia), Sutton Katherine Wilkinson, Haines Johnson Layfield III “Trey”, Jordan Kendall Layfield, Madison Irene Bryan (Joshua), and Mason Gerard Layfield.

Dedication to, and the love of, education lived in Sam’s heart. He instilled this love of learning by making sure that every one of his children and grandchildren were impacted by this core value by paying their full college tuition. He wanted them debt free when they graduated and started their adult lives. He drilled into his children that no one could ever take your education from you.

Once again, Gumps’ commitment to helping others changed lives for the better. His grandchildren are following in his footsteps and he was so very proud of them. Sarah graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Master in Business Administration from Auburn University. Alexa graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater & Humanities and a Master of Science in English Education. Sam graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. Trey graduated from Flagler College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration. Taylor graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology and currently enrolled in Nursing School at FSU. Brooke is a current student at Florida State University studying Marketing.

A man of his word and actions, he believed learning was limitless and spent countless hours completing college courses and professional trainings so that he could grow personally and professionally. Sam received an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Tallahassee Community College in 1974, a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Civil Engineering from the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Engineering in 1977, a Master of Public Administration in 1984 from Florida International University, an Associates of Arts Degree in 1991 from Tallahassee Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science in 1997 from Florida State University, and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 2000 from the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering. In addition to academics, Sam began taking art lessons in the early 80’s and painted some of the most beautiful landscapes showcased throughout his home.

Sam loved to tinker with cars, paint beautiful artwork, read the Wall Street Journal cover to cover, eat apple fritters and loads of ice cream, work in the yard, and to babysit his grandchildren with slumber parties on the weekends. Sam enjoyed their St. George Island home and spent countless hours at the beach with his family.

Sam’s true love is his wife, Louise. Known as “Nonnie,” to their grandchildren, they were married a few days shy of their 66th wedding anniversary. She was his care taker for over a decade, dedicating each and every day to Sam’s care. When asked how she sustained the demands of a caretaker, Louise often replied that Sam would have done the exact same for her. Their relationship continues to live on in our memories as beautiful and such a blessing to their children and grandchildren. The dedication to their family and to one another is like no other.

The family would like to thank staff at Azalea Gardens Memory Care for the love and attention given to Gumps. Many family and friends helped with meals for Louise so that she could devote more time to her husband. A special thank you to Ben and Cathi Wilkinson for their outpouring of love, support, and comfort for Louise.

A family visitation for Samuel Roddenberry will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Sopchoppy Baptist Church, 117 CR-299, Sopchoppy, FL 32358. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 117 CR-299, Sopchoppy, FL 32358. A burial with military honors will occur Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 12:00 PM at West Sopchoppy Cemetery, 473-599 Rose Street, Sopchoppy, FL 32358.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations can be made to Sopchoppy Southern Baptist Church and Bradfordville Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWoodFuneral.com for the Roddenberry family.