Samuel Lee Archie was born to Connie Archie and Elmer Cheeks, Jron May 14, 1949, in Winston Salem, NC. Samuel or "Zeke", "Archie" and "Sammy", as he was most affectionately known, received his education in the Winston-Salem, NC school system including attending both Paisley and Atkins High School respectively. As a teen, Samuel worked at the Hanes Company. Following high School, Samuel was drafted into the United States Army where he served and defended the country for virtually 3 years during the Vietnam War. Shortly after returning home from the war, Samuel relocated to Philadelphia, PA for a new beginning. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, he began working at the Tastykake baking company, where he would spend the next 18 years as a Preparation Technician. While working at Tastykake, Samuel met Lillie (Adoria) Lamkin, with whom he built a friendship which blossomed into union and marriage of 47 years. Samuel extended his love to Adoria's son, Jared Lamkin and embraced him as his own. From that moment on, they had a relationship that reflected the respect between a father and son and the closeness of best friends.
Following his time in this role, Samuel began working with the ACME Corrugated Boxing Company as a Machine Operator. His vast knowledge, skill and ability allowed him to become successful in his endeavors. In each of his roles Samuel cultivated many friendships and was highly respected. Samuel took great pride in earning a living. He was very serious about being prompt in every aspect of life, especially when it came to work. After his retirement from ACME Corrugated Boxing Company, Lillie (Adoria) and Samuel decided to relocate to Kernersville, NC. Samuel was back in the area where it all started for him!

Samuel had a great passion for sports, particularly football and basketball. He was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He made sure everyone was aware of this! If Samuel were not watching sports on television, you would find him engaging in his other favorite pastime.... watching westerns. Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Cheyenne were among his favorites. In addition, Samuel loved his friends. On a regular basis, he would speak with pride and fond memories of his friends, whom he acknowledged were like brothers to him. On any given day you, you may hear random stories about the "good ole 'days" hanging with "Jerry", "OD" Monte, "Rooney". "Dunlap", "Larry Little" his brother-in-law, David "Mack" and many others with whom he had a connection to. Samuel's relationships with others are what kept him motivated and energized. Samuel also enjoyed his connection with the younger generation. Between his walks by Valley Green feeding the ducks with Zuri and Makeda, who were like nieces to him and looking up at the window watching Malcolm, who was like a grandson, greet him when he came home from work, were some of the many highlights of his days. Later being able to watch them each grow into greatness was especially satisfying for him!
Samuel spoke with a distinctively strong voice much like some of the characters in those westerns he watched! Samuel was also a tall and strong presence. His confidence, energy, character, humor, affinity for history, intellect, laid-back attitude, simplicity, charisma and wisdom was always on display for all to witness. Samuel was a complete man; a fighter; a true soldier in every sense of the word; an example of strength up until the very moment God called him home. Those who were fortunate to know and spend time with Samuel will certainly miss him.
To honor and preserve Samuel's legacy, he is survived by his wife Lillie (Adoria) Archie; two sons, Sam and Jared. His sister, Beverly, sister Gayle (deceased) and brother Cornell {deceased). Also, cherishing his memory are his aunt Marlene, cousins Linda, Vanessa (Cookie), his niece Kawanna and a host of family, extended family. A public viewing will be held Thursday September 5, 2024, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Friday September 6, 2024, at 10:30 am from Linville Forest Church of Christ and interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am. Arrangements are in the care Douthit Funeral Services.