Deacon Samuel David Haynes

Samuel David Haynes, age 85, of Long Beach, California, passed away on January 24, 2025. He was born on December 4, 1939, in St. Francis County, Arkansas, to the late Lensey and Cora (Davis) Haynes. In the 1960s, Sam moved to California, where he met and married Emma Haynes. From this union, they welcomed their daughter, Tosha Haynes, and he embraced three bonus children, raising them as his own. In 1990, he returned to Arkansas to assist with the care of his father. Sam was a 1958 graduate of Lincoln High School in Forrest City. He worked in the construction industry as a labor union member, owned and operated a restaurant, managed a family store, and later served as a security officer for East Arkansas Community College (EACC) and Sanyo. A devout man of faith, Sam was ordained as a deacon at St. John Church in Richmond and continued his service at Greater Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Caldwell, where he was an active member of the Male Chorus. His love for singing, reading his Bible, and spending time with his family brought him immense joy. In his early years, he was known for his love of dancing and enjoying life to the fullest. Sam often shared cherished stories of his childhood on the farm with his siblings, recounting them to his daughter, nieces, and nephews—including the unforgettable tale of a cow that astonishingly produced white milk, chocolate milk, and lemonade. His hearty, one-of-a-kind laugh will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Lensey and Cora Haynes, and his brothers, Herman Haynes and Alanzo Haynes. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Tosha Haynes (Greg) of San Francisco, CA; three bonus children: Therece Fleming of Tracy, CA, Tammy Stribling of San Francisco, CA, and Andrew Haynes of Sacramento, CA; one sister, Gloria "Dean" Jones of Long Beach, CA; three brothers: Tommy Lee Haynes (Roslyn) of Detroit, MI, Frank Haynes (Elthean) of Conway, AR, and Leartric Haynes (Marnette) of Long Beach, CA; one sister-in-law, Annie Ruth Haynes of El Paso, TX; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Sam’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Deacon Samuel David Haynes

December 4, 1939 - January 24, 2025