Deacon Samuel Leonard Epps III, son of Magnolia O. Brogdon Epps-Bass and the late King David Epps Sr. was born on September 16, 1956 in Baltimore, Maryland. Samuel Lenny was called home to Eternal Rest on September 20, 2011. Samuel accepted Christ at an early age at Fulton Avenue Baptist Church. He was baptized by the late Rev. Kenneth Hayes his pastor. He was educated in the Baltimore Public School system. Samuel was an usher for years; he was a member at Fulton Avenue Baptist Church. After grasduating from high school he jioned the United States Navy where he trained as a Hull Technician HT earning the rank of [email protected] Samuel trained in Groton, Ct. and was certified as an Underwater Welder. He was assigned and severed on the USS Kalakh FF-1049, May Port Florida, and the USS South Carolina CCGGN-37, Norfolk, Va. He earned and received the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Prior to being discharged on December 29, 1983. Samuel went to Baltimore City Community College and earned an Associate Degree in Nursing. Lenny was a man of many talents. While in school he worked as Correctional Officer for State of Manyland. He worked as certified welder for the Bethlehem Steel Mill. He worked as a license Practical Nurse and Physical Therapist Aide specializing pediatrics. His last job was at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Samuel was "Ordained a Deacon" at Good Will Baptist Church, 2716 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, Maryland on September 26, 2004 by his Pastor, Rev. George Witherspoon. He loved the Lord and gave of his time willingly working in the church. Samuel was preceded in death by his son Samuel L. Epps IV. Samuel leaves to cherish his memory, Mother Magnolia epps-Bass; Towanda Stokes to whom he met and married; there were no children from this union; two step-children Thomas Montgomery and Jasmine Bibbins; Very Special Friend Paula Carter; two brothers Jimmie Valarie and William Debbie; sister Mary Rhames Dewayne; Sister-in-law Tara Epps; five grandchildren Travon, Samuel K., Zikia, Samuel V., and Anaiyah. Four Uncle Freddie Brogdon, S.C., Richard Epps NC, Zingle Epps Jr., and Walter Epps of SC; six Aunts Clara Mae McFadden, Gladys Willis, and Rhunette Nelson of SC., Sarah and Roena Epps of Baltimore, Md., Juanita Shaw Brogden of Queens, NY, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.