Evangelist Sam Baldwin, 81, of Palatka, slept away peacefully on Friday morning, January 23, 2015 at Palatka Health Care Center to forever be with the Lord. Sam, the eldest of three children, was born on Wednesday, June 21, 1933 to Reverend Samuel and Mrs. Parineler Jones Baldwin, Sr. A native of Jacksonville, Sam was educated in the Duval County Public System (Stanton High School, graduating class of 1951). In 1953, Sam enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, earning an honorably discharged. Sam was a Longshoreman in Jacksonville for 33 years and a member of International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) - Local #1408. He resided in Jacksonville for over 40 years until he met the "Love of his life, Lorraine Punch Baldwin," and they were united in Holy Matrimony on Saturday, July 23, 1977. He has been a resident of Palatka ever since. In 1977, Sam surrendered his life unto the Lord and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost during a revival meeting in Hastings conducted by Mother A. B. Benjamin. Evangelist Baldwin was a faithful & dedicated member of Palatka Church of God by Faith. Sam was a "Gospel singer" in his own right and sang with such groups as "Brother Major and the Gospel Crusaders," "The Master Keys," "Jessie Norris and the Sons of Jubilees," and "The Mighty Golden Jubilees." Some of his special renditions included "Let Jesus Fix it For You," "Lord Show Me the Way," "He's Sweet I Know," and "The Lord is Blessing Me." In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in eternal rest by his sister, Gwendolyn Baldwin Andres; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elder and Mother A. B. Benjamin; sisters-in-law, Virginia Blue and Rachel Blue. Sam has indeed left a legacy to be cherished and remembered by a loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Lorraine Punch Baldwin, Palatka; Daughters: Sandra Green, Wanda Baldwin, both of Jacksonville; Sons, Sam (Patricia) Baldwin, III, Buffalo, NY; Harold (Trina) Baldwin and Anthony Williams, Jacksonville; Dr. Brian "Bones" Dykes, Gainesville; Sister, Barbara (BJ) Richardson, Jacksonville; Aunts & Uncles: Minnie Long, Jacksonville; Catherine ( Lewis) Stephens, Charlotte, NC; Roosevelt (Nellie) Baldwin, Sumter, SC; Grandchildren, Camuel & Charmichael Baldwin; sisters-in-law, Alfredia Benjamin-Days, Naomi Couzart (Mel), and Ruth E. Benjamin; brothers-in-law, Alton Benjamin (Lillie Ruth), Clarence Benjamin (Nadell), Robert Benjamin (Kathy), Elder Calvin McDonald (Belinda), Elder Willie Robinson; Reverend Karl N. Flagg (Terricena); devoted God-children: Sarah (Timothy) Warren; Angel Lee, Nicole Townsend, Elder Leo Parker (Monay), Will Simpson (Santana), Quinton Evans (Cynthia), Janice Robinson, Cheryl Anderson, Ariel Dykes, Deshawnda Alexander Kelly (Kevin), Elder Eric Thomas (Khayriyyah); devoted God-brother, Dr. William Lavant, Jacksonville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends. Visitation of family and friends at Palatka Church of God by Faith, 1511 Washington Street, Palatka will commence at 5 p.m., Friday, February 6th with a 6-8 p.m. "Celebration Gospel Tribute" in Sam's Honor. The Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 7, at Mount Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Host Pastor. District Elder Phillip Thomas, pastor of Palatka Church of God by Faith, is the eulogist. Dr. Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., pastor of Palatka House of God Church, is officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, 712 S. Palm Avenue, Palatka. The cortege will assemble at 10:15 a.m., Saturday at the Price-Martin Community Center.