Sam Renner

Sam Renner, 66, a lifetime resident of Cleveland, died peacefully at his home June 14, 2016, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. God was first in his life, and his family was his treasure on this Earth.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Renner; his children Robin and Tonrey Ford, Sam and Lisa Renner, and Amy and Tim Hendricks; his grandchildren, Holly and Adam Pollnow, Marissa Renner, Kayley Renner, and Lila and Hannah Hendricks; his “like his own daughter,” Wendy Coultry; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Brenda Renner; sister in law Della Renner; his aunts and uncles, Robert Still, Benny and Betty Elmore, Polly Still, and Mary Lou Gorman; special cousins, Robbie and Joyce Still; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret Renner, and his brother, Bruce Renner.

Sam was baptized nine years ago. His certificate, worn from him unfolding it to show others, is still in his Bible, which he had read in its entirety countless times. A member of New Union Baptist Church in Georgetown, Tennessee, he faithfully attended services every Sunday and Wednesday, loved bringing cookies, candy and Kool-Aid for the church kids during the summer, and, despite being quiet and reserved, led the most beautiful, heartfelt prayers for the congregation.

Sam was hardworking, an iron worker by trade, and a member of Iron Workers Union Local 704. He was a gardener, who could make anything grow, from kiwis, figs and grapes to tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. He was an avid yard-saler and flea-marketer, who made many a U-turn in life in order not to miss one. He loved his wife’s cooking and was known to hum when he was eating, especially when it was something delicious like homegrown tomatoes, okra, squash and fudge cake. He was a friend to animals, the most skittish of which were drawn to him. He spoiled his grandchildren, buying them baby chicks, letting them eat ice cream sandwiches for breakfast, and, of course, furnishing them with rolls of dollar bills to take to yard sales during the summer. He was loved by his children, who have many, many happy memories of their dad, including strawberry “snortcakes,” little stores, smorgasbords, and Christmas tree decorating.

Everyone who knew him loved him.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 17, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to New Union Baptist Church in Georgetown or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, an organization he has faithfully given to for years.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Sam or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.