Willie Donnell Samuels was born to Willie and Helen Samuels in Winston-Salem, NC, on November 21, 1951. He attended the WS/FC Schools and was a graduate of WSSU. Known to family as “Donnell”, his work located him in several states, including Indiana, Mississippi, and lastly Texas. Although he endured serious health issues most of his life, Donnell lived with an independent spirit.

Due to declining health, he left Texas to live with his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Danette and their family in Fayetteville, NC, where he was loved, accepted graciously, and acclimated into their family unit. On June 24th, Donnell’s challenges with illnesses and health ended.

Donnell was preceded in death by his parents, Willie & Helen Samuels; sisters, Betty McGriff (Leroy) and infant baby sister, Willie Mae; brothers, Donald Samuels (Cathy), Jack Samuels (Danette), and Randall Samuels; and his niece Angel McGriff.

He is lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Danette and her children and Cathy Samuels; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. One of his last statements was, “Tell everybody I love them”.

Inurment will be held at 11:00am Friday, July 10, 2026 in Evergreen Cemetery.

Til’ we meet again.