Donald L. Samuels

Don was born in Asheville, North Carolina on February 26,1944, to Tyrus and AnnieRuth Wallen Samuels. Infants were prohibited from crossing state lines at the time due to a polio epidemic, so he spent his first few months there, then came to Virginia where he lived the next 81 years in Alexandria and in the Hollin Hall--Collingwood--Wellington area of Fairfax County.

Don graduated from old Mount Vernon High School where he played football and created some of his fondest memories. He was a graduate of Virginia Tech and was a proud Hokie throughout his life.

Don began working in Human Resources at the U. S. Department of Agriculture in 1968 in the Farm Service Agency, earlier know as Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, and enjoyed his career of 36 years. He recruited and mentored young people from different parts of the country and established many lifelong friendships with colleagues.

Tykie was married for the first time, post-retirement, to Stephanie (Stevi) Smith Will, whom he had first met in high school. He found joy in the union, embracing new roles as husband, as a good friend to his wife’s children and their spouses, and as a bonus grandfather.

Connections with family and friends were of primary importance to Tykie. He lovingly cared for his parents as they aged and remained close to his sister and to his niece and her family. He befriended people from all walks of life, maintaining some friendships from early childhood or school years until his death.

A friend once said, “Tykie appreciates the little things,” and that was an apt description. He was a lover of birds, especially cardinals and ducks; of animals, whether wild, farm, or pets; of trains, John Deere tractors and his many cars. He loved sitting in the woods or on a beach (hunting and fishing were just excuses), babies, old Westerns, The Andy Griffith Show, Bluegrass music, the Seldom Scene, and listening to Linda Rondstat, Emmy Lou Harris, and John Prine. He loved the rural Virginia countryside and enjoyed spending time at his farm, affectionately known as “The Lodge” by his group of hunting buddies. He especially loved telling stories of his life and his family and became the family historian. He was a big man with an even bigger heart, stubborn and opinionated at times, and he was greatly loved.

He is survived by his wife, Stevi, his sister Linda S. Williams, his niece Whitney Cobey (Alex) and their children Kate, Will, and Chris Cobey, by step-children John Will (Ruthann) , Bonnie Bartle, and Carrie Butler (Duke), step-grandchildren Lauren Fisher (Scott), Kevin Will (Madison), Lucy Butler, James Butler, and Maggie Butler, and by two great-granddaughters, Poppy and Violet Fisher. He also leaves many special and close friends, including Marty Farrier, Christine and Conley Jones and family, Ashley Chastant, and his two beloved kitties, Chris and Emmy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ty and Ann Samuels, by a special aunt, Carlease Burnett, and by his stepdaughter’s husband, Steve Bartle.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on February 26, 2026, at Demaine’s Funeral home in Alexandria. Visitation will be at 11, Service at 12, Reception following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 4 PAWS Rescue Team, Inc., or to the charity of your choice.