Samuel Willard Stamey

Samuel Willard Stamey, age 94, of Cleveland, Georgia passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025.  Born at home on January 28, 1931 in Clarksville, Georgia to Samuel and Lillie Barron Stamey, he was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lloyd Morrison, Clarence “C.A.” Stamey, Hubert Stamey; sisters, Ruby Benefield, Ruth Anderson, Willene Terrazas, and Minnie Langford.  

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Ann Stamey; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Charl Sosebee, son and daughter-in-law Kerry and Felicia Stamey, and daughter and son-in-law, Sonya and Jeff Luna; grandchildren, Anna and Jesse Nix, Chase and Brittney Crumley, Zack and Shaun Sosebee, Chaz and Carlee Sosebee, Katherine and Wynn Hoge, Samantha Stamey, John and Kelcie Luna, Mary Ann and Devin Peck; great grandchildren, Rylee Ann Nix, Brayden Sosebee, Georgia Sosebee, Sawyer Sosebee, Aria Crumley, Hudson Hoge, Henlee Hoge, and Haven Hoge, Leeland Luna, Lincoln Luna, and Lanning Luna.

Mr. Stamey served in the US Navy from March 8, 1948, until October 27, 1949.  After leaving the US Navy, he pursued his passion for racing.  He was the first dirt track winner at Toccoa Speedway in 1955. After his racing career ended, he got his pilot’s license to fly recreationally. Mr. Stamey was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarksville, Georgia. He was a 72-year member of American Legion Roy Head Post 16.  He was honored and recognized for his years of service in June 2023 at Freedom Park in Cleveland, Georgia.  His work career included lumber and timber cutting, car business, and grading. Before his decline in health, Willard, a.k.a Pop, was an avid water skier, hunter, gun collector/trader, and golfer. He was a jack of all trades and a master of repairing anything that needed fixing. He had a heart to help everyone in need, and never met a stranger.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Gateway Nursing Home for their loving care over the last seven years.  

A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home.  The Rev. John Luna, Rev. Marc Turner, and Rev. J.D. Sosebee, Jr. will officiate.  The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at: https://youtube.com/live/PUcZZbOkDws?feature=share

The family will receive friends from 10 A.M. until the time of the service on Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gateway Nursing Home at 3201 Westmoreland Road, Cleveland, GA 30528.  

To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.