Samuel McMickle, Jr. was born August 31, 1947, to parents Carrie (Ford) McMickle and Samuel McMickle, Sr., and departed this life on April 12, 2016. Sam was a kind and gentle soul. In his youth and young adult life, he was a talented and avid singer, and was often compared to singer Sam Cook. He shared his love of music with dear friends James "Preacher" Thomas and Samuel Paul Barmore, and Sam Goodloe. They made remarkable music. Sam served his country as a member of the US Armed Services, serving in the Vietnam War. Sam was a 1966 graduate of Auburn Sr. High School in Rockford, Illinois.
Sam leaves to mourn his passing, three sisters, Helen Gardner McGowan, of Stonewall, Ms., Mrs. Yvonne (James), of Rockford, and Helen J. (Isaac) Bassett of Minneapolis, MN. A daughter Nikiya (Michael) Dean, two sons, Samuel Thomas, and Danon Thomas, 8 grandchildren, and one great grandchild, a nephew Darrell Franklin, and two nieces, Danita Bassett of Rockford, and Hannah Bassett, Minneapolis, MN. He is preceded in death by a son, Michael and a daughter Yolanda Freeman, special caregivers Tressy Harden, and assistant Charles, and a special step-daughter, Danyel Wilburn. Along with a host of cousins, relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 16, from 11:00 - 1:00 PM, at the Westside Church of Christ, 1523 Morgan St., Rockford, IL.