Samuel James Hoover Jr

August 11, 1941 – December 13, 2024

Samuel James Hoover Jr., affectionately known as Sam, lived a life defined by dedication, service, love, and resilience. Born on August 11, 1941, Sam grew up in a hardworking, tight-knit family on a farm, where he learned the value of labor and responsibility early on. Working alongside his father and attending school, he developed a strong sense of discipline and an enduring respect for hard work.

In 1960, Sam enlisted in the United States Marines to serve his country, embarking on a journey that would define much of his early adulthood. Among his many accomplishments in the military, one of the most distinguished was his role as a bodyguard for President John F. Kennedy at the White House. Sam also served in the Vietnam War, where he faced the harrowing realities of combat and lost many friends. His bravery and service earned him an honorable discharge.

In 1965, Sam met Frances Prymas, the love of his life. They married soon after and built a life together filled with love, laughter, and family. Over their 59 years of marriage, Sam and Frances had three children: Harry, Sherri, and Dawn. Their family grew to include eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Although they lived in various states throughout their lives, Sam and Frances eventually settled in Maryland, where they raised their children and built a strong, supportive community.

Sam’s professional career was equally fulfilling. From 1967 to 1994, he worked for John Deere Co., holding a variety of positions that often required travel. He was a dedicated and hardworking employee who always balanced his commitment to his job with his devotion to his family. After retiring from John Deere in 1994, Sam and Frances moved to Florida to enjoy their retirement years in the warmth of the South.

In his younger days, Sam was an avid softball player and enjoyed competing with the Moose, where he forged lasting friendships. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives, especially in coaching his son in baseball and football. Sam attended countless football games, always cheering his son on from the sidelines, but he especially cherished the visits to his son’s college, where he’d join in the fun with his son’s fraternity brothers. Sam was also known for being fiercely protective of his daughters, Sherri and Dawn, always ensuring their well-being.

Sam’s love for sports extended beyond coaching and watching games. He enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and golfing with friends, always finding ways to stay active and social. As a grandfather, Sam found great joy in watching football games with his grandkids, reminiscing over classic John Wayne movies, and playing the game of Aggravation with them. These simple pleasures—spending time with family, laughing, and creating cherished memories—were at the heart of his life.

In his later years, Sam could often be found sitting on the deck of his home, soaking in the warmth of the sun while doing word searches and engaging in friendly conversation with anyone who passed by. His love for life and people remained steadfast, even as his health began to decline.

After a year of health challenges, Sam found peace with the Lord on December 13, 2025. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, service, and devotion—a man who gave selflessly to his country, his family, and his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Frances, their three children, Harry, Sherri, and Dawn, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members and friends. Though he will be deeply missed, Sam’s legacy of love and service will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Sam. Your life was a shining example of dedication, love, and service.

In lieu of flowers family ask donations be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation  https://www.t2t.org