Samuel L McKaney's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Samuel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Samuel?
Share a story where Samuel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Samuel you’ll never forget.
How did Samuel make you smile?
