Reverend Samuel C. McWilliams

WALLOPS ISLAND- The Reverend Samuel Charles Haddaway McWilliams, 84, of Wallops Island, VA, died Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox. He was born October 24, 1928 in Cambridge, MD, a son of the late Reverend Guy Haddaway McWilliams and Mary Roszelle McWilliams. To the many that knew and loved him, he was called Reverend Sam, Sammy or Sam. He grew up in Dorchester County and proudly never forgot where he came from. His upbringing gave him a true appreciation for the outdoors that never left him. Until his health began to decline he still loved to fish and camp with his wife and family. He was a talented musician in his younger days that played the trombone, saxophone and bass with ease. Being the son of a pastor, playing big band music in his band “Sammy’s Secret” was frowned upon but it wouldn’t stop his love for music. His other love was horses which led him to work many years as an official in harness racing, where he ended up judging at tracks all over, from California to Ocean Downs. He entered the ministry at the age of 48 and worked for the United Methodist Church Peninsula Conference for the past 35 years. He pastored many churches all over the shore where he met and loved many wonderful people. He will be remembered as a man who truly loved life and was a real people person and a skilled story teller. Sam couldn’t pass up a good deal which led him to his passion for auctions. He was a member of many organizations, such as the United States Trotting Association, Masonic Lodge #56 AF & AM in Cambridge, Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Minerva Chapter #50 in Cambridge and the Railroad Café Breakfast Club. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sara Nechay McWilliams; a son, Patrick H. McWilliams of Salisbury; 2 step-daughters, Cindy Buniski of St. Michaels, MD and Pam Walton of Colorado; 2 step-sons, Mark Nechay of Smyrna, DE and Greg Nechay of Florida; 9 grandchildren, Tracy McWilliams, Amy Schyler, Michael McWilliams, Guy McWilliams, Chelsea McWilliams, Jocelyn McWilliams, Rachel Buniski, Tad Buniski, Nick Walton, and Scott Nechay; 4 great grandchildren, Lake, Carter, Maddie and Marci; his former wife, Jane McWilliams of Church Creek; and a former daughter-in-law, Tammy McWilliams of Salisbury. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mark H. McWilliams; a granddaughter, Dawn McWilliams; 3 brothers, Gorton H. McWilliams, Donald R. McWilliams and George Kuhn; and a sister, Mabel Brinsfield Jones. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street in Delmar. A celebration of the life of Rev. Sam will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 1:00 at Melson’s United Methodist Church in Delmar, where family and friends may also call from 12:00 to 1:00.The Reverends Gordon Stapleton, Maury Enright and John Oltman will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Melson’s Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Please visit www.shortfh.com to send online condolences to the family.

Reverend Samuel C. McWilliams

October 24, 1928 - January 24, 2013