Samuel Robles, age 69, died at home on November 9, 2022, in Lakeland, Florida, suffering a sudden heart attack. After a routine morning of working in the yard and his wife, Damaris, making breakfast, Sam went off to read his daily devotionals. Sitting in a pioneer chair of his design, he went to be with his Heavenly Father.

As we record his career and other events in this writing, know that what Sam did and the work he performed pales in comparison to the many lives he changed throughout his life. Sam leaves behind a legacy of joy, peace, and love to hundreds of people. Some knew him as a coworker, some called him Commander, others called him Pastor, and to those closest, he was Husband, Dad, and Papa.

Sam was born on October 14, 1953, in Brooklyn, NY, where he grew up with his father, Pedro Robles, mother, Maria Robles, and siblings, Peter, Beverly, and Esther. He attended High School at Eastern District in Brooklyn, New York. Sam performed in musicals such as South Pacific and Guys and Dolls while also being known for practical jokes and the occasional lunchroom hijinks.

On March 12, 1971, he was engaged to Damaris Garcia, only graduating High School a few months later. They were married on November 25, 1972, two weeks shy of their 50th anniversary at his passing. Sam worked at Brooklyn Union Gas in the early years of marriage, often performing precarious feats across the city unbeknownst to his supervisors or wife.

Seeking to bring his wife and son out of the city, Sam found a job with New York State Electric and Gas, where he would work for over ten years, eventually becoming a welder. Then God called Sam into full-time ministry to serve as a Pastor with Faith Assembly of God in Poughkeepsie, New York.

During his time as Pastor, he touched many lives. Through hospital visits, counseling, and mentorship, but most of all, working behind the scenes, Sam indeed had a servant’s heart. One of his great passions was working with children and youth, especially through the Royal Rangers program.

In 2009, Samuel and Damaris moved to Lakeland, Florida, to be with their son, Stephen, his wife Whitney, and their first grandchild, who shares his name, Jordan Samuel Robles. Sam began working on the facilities team at Southeastern University, but his real work was being a pastoral figure to the men and young people around him.

While living in Florida, Southside Church became home for Sam and Dee. They would continue caring for the people around them, teaching classes, serving, and recently working to build the Royal Rangers program.

Sam enjoyed three years of retirement, often traveling with his wife, enjoying the beach, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also contributed to the local homeschool group, teaching devotions, organizing games, and, most importantly, being the master at Simon Says.

Sam is survived by his wife, Damaris Robles. His son, Stephen Robles, daughter-in-law, Whitney Robles, and grandchildren, Jordan, Asher, and Elyse Robles. His brother Peter Robles, sisters Beverly Rivera, Esther Corazo, and their spouses. His brother-in-law Cal Garcia, his wife Sandy, and many nieces and nephews.