Samuel James Hope, Jr., (E-9 USMC-Retired), 62, of Palm Coast, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach. A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Samuel was born on Monday, May 16, 1949 and was a longtime resident of Bunnell. He was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Bunnell. He was a 1966 graduate of G.W. Carver High School, Bunnell. He participated in the 2-yr. ROTC program at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps. Over his 26-year military career, he was a Food Service Specialist and attained the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant, serving in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Japan, and Kuwait. He earned numerous meritorious decorations and honors, including: Good Conduct (5 stars), Southwest Asia Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 Stars), Navy Commendation Medal (1 star), National Defense Service (1 star) and many other commendations. He was a Culinary Teacher/Master Chef in the Orange County School District. Those who will forever cherish his memories: former wife (mother of his children); Dorothy Hope, Valdosta, GA; daughters; Althean Rodgers Nickolson, Tampa; Sharisa (Adrian) Wise, Columbia, SC; Monica (Errol) McWhite, Oviedo; sons; Sharone Hope & Nickolas Van Ness Hope, both of Valdosta, GA; Darrell Hope, Las Vegas; 17 grandchildren; sisters; Dolores (Wayne) Godwin, New Smyrna Beach; Hattie (Rev. Elijah) Emanuel & Melissa Bass, both of Palm Coast; brothers; Raymond (Francina) Marshall, Bunnell; Charlie (Deborah) Bass, Espanola; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. - 2p.m. Saturday, January 28 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Bunnell. The cortege will assemble at 1:15 p.m. Saturday at the family's residence, 92 Red Mill Drive, Palm Coast. Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m. Saturday, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 609 S. State Street, Bunnell, Reverend Patrick A. Wilkerson, Pastor. Reverend Elijah Emanuel, pastor of Fellowship Church of Bunnell is the Eulogist. Interment with Full Military Honors will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 21 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.