We honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Sam Sallis Jr., a person who was not only a long-standing pillar in our community but also a father, a friend, and a source of light to all who knew him. Sam Sallis Jr. was born on February 11, 1943, and went home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2025. He was born to the late Apostle Sam Sallis and Vera Roby in Sallis, Mississippi. The family moved to Midland when he was four years old.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1961, Sam served in the United States Army then began a career in the steel and rail industries. He worked at Crucible Steel and then at Conrail (now Norfolk Southern) where he was a dedicated employee for over 30 years. He retired from Conrail/Norfolk Southern in 2003, then started a third career at Allied Universal Security, where he continued to work until recently.  Beyond his professional life, Sam extended his dedication to serve on the Beaver County Career & Technology Board and for 25 years with the Midland School Board.  He had a strong work ethic, always eager to stay active and engaged with both people and the community.

Sam was no stranger to a good nickname. He was affectionately known as "Papa Sosa" by some of his grandchildren and "Homie" by his siblings. He loved muscle cars and drag racing, and his favorite car was a 1967 SS Chevelle. He will also be remembered as a debonair and fashionable gentleman who brought a touch of elegance to every room he entered. His impeccable bling and style—and that remarkable and distinctive strut—reflected his outer grace and charm. But it wasn't just his appearance that made him stand out; it was the warmth of his smile, the twinkle in his eye, his remarkable charisma, and the way he made everyone feel valued and seen.

As we say goodbye to Sam today, let us also celebrate the incredible legacy he has left us. Sam is survived by his children: Tina Oravitz-Tookes (Walter Jr.), Bobby Oravitz, Lynette Wilder (Derrick Sr.), Sam Sallis III (Heather), and Nicholas Sallis. Sam is also survived by his siblings: Willie Sallis (Cassandra), Rose Sallis, Fred Sallis (Inetta), Levoid Sallis, Rhonda Grant, and Eric Sallis (Kishma); 30 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends; including special friends Doreen Dickey and Steve Thellman. He was preceded in death by his wives, Alice Sallis (1999) and Nikki Sallis (2020); his parents, Vera Sallis (1960), Apostle Sam Sallis Sr. (1993), and Patricia Sallis (2024); siblings Linda Byrd (Donald), Kathryn Sallis (Levoid), Rick Sallis (Zelphia), and Mattie Evans (Marvin).

A repast will be held at the Shippingport Community Center 163 PA-3016, Shippingport, PA 15077.

Rest in peace, Sam. You have run your race with honor and love, and now you are home. We will miss you, but we will never forget you. Your legacy lives on in each of us, and for that, we are eternally grateful.