VALMORE (Big Val) SAMUEL JR., age 78, passed
away peacefully on October 22, 2013. He was born on October 25, 1934 in
Huntington, WV. He was also known as Valmore (Junior) Hill. His mother, Rebecca
Robinson, preceded him in death. Val graduated in 1954 from Douglass High
School. While there he lettered in basketball and football. He received an
athletic scholarship to Marshall University. After a year of college, he
enlisted in the 178th Ordinance of the Army at Fort Bragg, NC.
He moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the early
1960’s in search for a better life. He joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and
served as a Sunday school superintendent and usher. He married in 1967 and had
one child. During this time, Val completed additional studies to earn
credentials as a machinist. He was employed with Osborn Manufacturing Company,
where he was subsequently elected union president. He was later employed by
Fisher Body and ultimately retired from General Motors at Parma in 2004 after
19 years of service.
He was actively engaged in his community. He
attended local civic and street club meetings. He coached boys’ basketball and girls’
softball, and also served as booster club president at Christ the King
Elementary School.
Big Val’s favorite pastimes included softball and
basketball. He was also an avid weightlifter and bowler. He enjoyed attending
cabarets and taking casino trips. He was a very proud grandfather and loved
spending time with his grandkids and barbecuing in the backyard. He was often seen in
the neighborhood sitting on his porch eager to chat with anyone who stopped by.
He enjoyed listening to blues, gospel and soul music.
Survivors include his only child Valerie
Rebecca (Beckie); a granddaughter, Hailey; and a grandson, Zachary. The family
would like to thank the caring and able staff at Wyant Woods Care Center in
Akron OH.
