Samuel L McKaney

Born August 18th, 1955, in Humboldt, Tennessee where he later moved to Jackson, Michigan. Sam was the youngest of four siblings. Sam played recreation baseball for fun while growing up in Jackson. Sam attended Parkside High School. After attending Jackson Public Schools, Sam worked various jobs. One of his notable jobs was delivering the salesman newspaper all over town. Even on his day off from work, you would see Sam smiling and walking around the city of Jackson. Sam also worked at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter through a program called Experience Works. After the two year program ended, Sam was eventually hired by Jackson Interfaith Shelter and worked there for many years. While working at the homeless shelter, Sam mostly worked in the kitchen serving food and keeping the building clean for the community. Furthermore, Sam worked the front desk at the shelter greeting guests and residents with his warm personality and smile. After his health became a priority, he subsequently resigned but remained in the community as a resident where he rented a property owned by Interfaith Shelter. Sam was an independent individual who mainly kept to himself. Some say Sam was quiet, but he wouldn't want to be a bother to anyone. In contrast, some say Sam was very nice, talkative and very respectful all the time. He had a caring and loving heart. He loved everyone including his family. Sam enjoyed watching the scenery from his porch during his last days before gaining his wings, but he had a friend sitting alongside him. The friend was a homeless kitten Sam was taking care of. Sam fed the feline with pet food regularly and eventually the cat made Sam's home his home near a bush. The cat can be seen sleeping peacefully during the day. Sam knew the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Members from the shelter visited his home for devotion. Sam carried with him small leaflets that had scriptures on them. He donated to children's food programs across the country. Sam served the community of Jackson as God commanded us to do which is to serve. Sam fed the poor and the unfortunate for a long time. Sam will be missed. Sam shall be blessed. Sam was preceded in death by his mother, Opal (Dozier) McKaney; father, Clyde McKaney, Sr.; sister, Gloria McKaney; brothers, Clyde McKaney, Jr.; and William McKaney; son, Shonte Potter; and grandson, Tarae Potter. Sam is survived by his brother, James McKaney of Kalamazoo, Michigan; sons, Kerry Petty of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Derry Petty of Jackson, Michigan, and Dequan McKaney of Jackson, Michigan; grandchildren, Armani Sloan-Petty of Concord, North Carolina; Jordan Arnold of Kissimmee, Florida; Ramone Petty of Franklinton, Louisiana; Braylon Triplett of Jackson, Michigan; and Ashlynn Campbell of Jackson, Michigan; numerous nephews and cousins; and many friends and family who will miss him dearly.

Samuel L McKaney

August 18, 1955 - September 10, 2023

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