Samuel Lee "Sambo" Solano, Sr., 73, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at his residence.  A native of St. Augustine and a true Minorcan, he was the son of Clarence "Buck" and Dorothy Blaylock Solano, Sr., born on Sunday, July 7, 1946. He was of the Catholic faith and was formerly affiliated with St. Ambrose Catholic Church (Elkton) for many years.  Samuel was educated in the St. Johns County School District at St. Joseph Academy and St. Augustine High School.  He was a professional carpenter employed by Desco Marine in St. Augustine for 18 years and upon retirement, he commenced employment with Dixon Lumber Company (Springside) for 10 years.  He was an avid Dale Earnhardt NASCAR fan and also enjoyed watching Miami Dolphin football games.  In his early years, he played church league softball with the Cathedral Saints.  He was a loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Although he enjoyed hunting, gophering, using his carpentry skills and spending time with his family, his lifelong passion with earned trophies came through his love for his chickens and roosters.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Clarence Joseph "CJ" Solano, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife, Betty Jo Taylor Solano, Palatka; daughters, Kathy (Jeff) Crowell, Concord, NC; Deana (Chris) Pamies, Jacksonville; Rhonda (Phil) Garcia, Wendy Smith; son, Samuel "Bub" Solano, Jr., all of Palatka; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeff, Terry, Blake, Ashley, Kristin, Jacob "Bucky," Sami Jo, Brittney, Julie, and Courtney; 16 great- grandchildren; sister, Carol Pappy; uncle and aunt, Jimmy and Clarice Moran, St. Augustine; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, November 12 with a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Flagg's Chapel of Serenity.  Bruce Seger, Pastor of The First Church of God, will be officiating.