Samuel H Wimbley Jr.

                                                                                      THE LIFE & LEGACY OF 

                                                                                                    Samuel

Samuel H. Wimbley, Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, in Elk Grove, California. Born on July 24, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky. Samuel, commonly known as Sam, lived a life marked by his military service, and his devotion and unwavering love for his family.

Sam came from humble beginnings and began working at a young age, developing the determined, hard-working spirit that would shape his entire life. He graduated from Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky. After high school and at the early age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Sam proudly served his country as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, dedicating 23 years to honorable military service. His career took him to many parts of the United States and across the world to England, Germany, Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam—experiences that had a profound impact on his life. During his time in England, he met his beloved wife and life partner Vilma and together they started a family. Throughout his military service he received numerous awards, as well as earned an Associate degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force, and formed many lifelong friendships. He concluded his career at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California on June 30, 1985. Upon retiring from the military, he pursued a 15-year career at the U.S. Postal Service.

At his core, Sam was a generous, wise, and fun-loving family man. He faithfully supported his family and friends by sharing his time, wisdom and willingness to help wherever he saw need. Known for his “never give up” attitude and determined spirit, he believed in working hard, educating oneself, and lifting the next generation—often through long, heartfelt “lectures on the couch” that his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their friends often endured and will never forget. He was carefree, always humorous, full of insight, and lived life fully and on his own terms. Sam found joy in watching sports, critiquing movies, dancing, enjoying an occasional adult beverage and watching the national news from dawn to dusk to create his own news reports for sharing with family and friends.

Above all, Sam enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his adored wife of 51 years, Vilma, son, Jason (Sheryl), and two daughters, Claire (Jason), and Lesline—who were the pride and joy of his life. Sam was also a cherished grandfather to Dominique “Mimi”, Marissa (Danielle), Julian, Jalen, Jayson “Buddy”, Emmett, and Brynn, and a devoted great-grandfather to Samone, Daphne, and Stella. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Dorane Savory, who he lovingly referred to as “Big Momma.” His warmth, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed by each of them.

Sam’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the friends he stood by, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, loyalty, and wisdom. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, honor, and enduring affection.