“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:8
Samuel James McCants, born in Hybart, Alabama on October 31, 1931, to the union of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley and Susie Jane Packer McCants. He along with his siblings were raised in the church and loved serving the Lord. He confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Pine Flat Baptist Church of Hybart, Alabama.
He was educated in the public schools of Monroe County - Monroe County Training School. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves at the age of 22. While serving in the Army he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. The Army took him far away from the small town of Monroe County, he traveled to Paris, France and Rome, Italy before ending his tour of duty in Fort Jackson, SC. After being discharged from the service, he relocated to Mobile, Alabama to begin his life as a civilian. He was a dedicated and hard worker and held two jobs for many years. He worked for Barron Steal, Dixie Trucking and Mobile Transit Authority (MTA), retiring from (MTA) after over 35 years of service as an auto mechanic.
God was always first in his life. He was a faithful member of Bay Ridge Baptist Church, Daphne, Alabama, where he was a member of the choir, Sunday school, and the building fund committee. He later joined the fellowship at Hope Chapel A.M.E Zion church, where he was active in the choir and Sunday school. People who knew him best, knew he was a quite spirit and loved to sing praises to our Lord. He loved to sit and reminisce about old times; he was able to recall the smallest of details about events that happened throughout his lifetime. He loved to garden and spend time with family and friends. He loved to celebrate his birthday and was thankful for each passing year.
In addition to his parents, he was also proceeded in death by his wife, the late Thelma Ellis McCants, son, Michael Ellis and grandson, Wesley Ellis. siblings Johnny, Ephraim, Roscoe, Paul, O. T., Walter and Woodrow McCants, Elfreda Jenkins, Bessie McCants, Mary York, Azilee Borden, Juanita Bee and Emma Lee McCants Powell. He entered eternal rest on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center surrounded by his family.
He leaves to cherish his memories, four devoted daughters Joyce Cook and Kimba (Demetrius) Drakeford of Mobile, Alabama, Carolyn Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Heather (Charlie) Henderson of Hampton, Georgia; nine grandchildren: One devoted, Jeremy Ellis, Tejmantrilye (April) Ellis, Alexandria Sullivan, Jaylen Hackett, Madison Thomas all of Mobile, Alabama; Mia Ellis of Atlanta, Georgia, Dylan Hand and Myles Garrett of Hampton, Georgia; nine great-grandchildren; two devoted nephews Terence (Devra) Ellis and Timothy Wilson of Mobile, Alabama. A host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.