Samuel Sambo Nelson Jr. 80, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, April 10, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born on Wednesday, September 11, 1929 to Samuel Nelson Sr. and Ida Mae Brightmon in Hawthorne, Florida. This beloved son, Samuel was joyfully raised by his parents, Issac Ike and Ida Mae Hill in Palatka, Florida and was educated in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy. During his youth, he became a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church. Very early in his educational pursuit, it was precisely recognized that Sambo was gifted in the field of electronics and subsequently he established himself as a talented electronic appliance service technician. On March 25, 1950, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Ms. Olivia Douglas. Sambo launched a successful employment career with General Electric, operated by D.A. Wilkes and inspired to establish his own business, Sams T.V. and Appliance Center. His primary hobby was fishing. Sambo and his beloved wife, Olivia raised nine children and were widely known and respected as mom and dad to countless other children. He was preceded in eternal rest by his Son, Arthur Nelson; siblings, William Brightmon, Burt Hill, Charles Nelson, Mary Ceil Allen, Louise Hill, and Rosena Hill.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: Devoted wife of 60 years, Olivia D. Nelson, Palatka; Daughters, Queen Ester (Johnnie) Simmons, Pomona Park; Patricia Hood, Gulfport, MS; Leonard (Christiane) Taylor, Germany; Samuel Nelson, Columbia, SC., Tangia Nelson, James Nelson, Sr., Connie (Andrew) Burton and Tilisa (Eugene) Ledbetter, all of Palatka; Brothers & Sisters, Clarence Bunch, Palatka; Henry (Mattie) Hill, Compton, CA; Issac Ike (Era) Hill Jr., Sun City, CA; Eva Mae (Nathan) Buie, and James (Grace) Hill, both of Los Angeles, CA; He was like a father to: Johnnie (Angela) Baker, Kenny (Shirley) Eubanks and Sarina Eubanks all of Palatka; 42 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other caring relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday (Today) April 16, 2010 at The Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street. Palatka. Rev. James McGriff, Pastor. Rev. Karl N. Flagg is the Eulogist and Elder Phillip Thomas, Presiding. The cortege will assemble 2:20 p.m. Saturday at 1003 N. 16th Street, Palatka. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill West Cemetery.