Obituary

Samuel "Sam" Schilling

April 6, 1939 - February 20, 2022

Samuel “Sam” Schilling, age 82, passed away early Sunday morning at Lakeview Hospital. He was an active member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, and he loved spending time there with his church family.

As a young man, Sam served his country in the United States Air Force for more than a decade. After his service, he returned home and became a self-made businessman, who was known to help others in times of need. In his younger years, he enjoying trot-line fishing with his brothers in nearby rivers, and their families loved the fish fries the brothers hosted when they returned home. He always loved sports—all of them. He enjoyed them at every level, from professional to little league, and he even coached some teams along the way. He was an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren’s athletic endeavors and was a familiar presence at their events. He traveled countless miles to see them, yelled as loudly as anyone in the crowd, and spent hours after games discussing the plays and strategies with the other fans.

Sam was greatly admired by his family and friends for his emphasis on hard work and education, and he firmly believed in financial responsibility. He adored his family and especially enjoyed visiting with them and friends at his backyard swimming pool, where everyone had an open invitation. He also loved to see his extended family at the annual Albert Schilling Family Reunion, where he enjoyed the fantastic country cooking.

He is survived by: 4 children and spouses: Brenda Wilson, Randall Schilling, Sandi Varnado (Mark Davis), and Scott Schilling (Kate Tetreault); Grandchildren: Troy Wilson II, Douglas Schilling, Jr., Ashley Schilling Guy, Douglas Schilling, Blake Schilling, Kelsey Schilling, Blaine Schilling, Dylan Varnado, Brody Schilling, Allie Schilling, Kate Schilling, Haley Tetreault, and Grayson Tetreault; Brothers and sisters: Eloise Blazo, Elaine VanHorn, Paul Schilling, and Ginger Ellis; Special friend: Chyrel Learned; Also numerous extended relatives and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his son (Douglas Schilling, Sr.), parents (Albert and Alma Schilling), brothers (Byron Schilling, Ronald Schilling, and Jake Schilling), grandchild (Spencer Wilson), great-grandchild (Hannah Wilson), and numerous other relatives.

Visitation will be at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (36126 Highway 38, Mt. Hermon) on Thursday, February 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the church at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Ray Weurzer, Brother Leroy McElveen, Brother Myron Schilling, and Brother Randall Garcia officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.