Obituary published on Legacy.com by JP Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services on Jun. 26, 2025.
To view Mr. Smith's souvenir journal, please click the "Program" link below:
Program
U.S. Veteran
Sammie Troy Smith
August 12, 1980 – June 22, 2025
"Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep "
~ The Navy Hymn
Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) Sammie Troy Smith, better known as "Troy" by his loved ones and close friends, was born on August 12, 1980, to Deloris Washington and Robert Robinson. He grew up in the Cherry Lake community of
Madison, Florida, with his mother, siblings, and grandparents. He was a lifelong resident of
Madison, Florida.
Troy's relationship with God further developed through his childhood Sunday School and worship experience at Architillery Missionary Baptist Church. It was there he professed his belief in Jesus Christ and vowed to keep Him first in his life.
Educated in the public school system of Madison County, Sammie was a 1999 graduate of Madison County High School. In 2016, he obtained his Associate of Science degree in Medical Administrative Assistance and Health Science from The Ultimate Medical Academy of Tampa. He then took advantage of other courses offered at North Florida College that allowed him to cross over from Corrections to Law Enforcement in 2022. He elected to also tap into other opportunities accessible to him.
Impressed with the Navy's motto "Non sibi sed patriae" which means "Not for self, but county," Sammie proudly enlisted in the United States Navy as a culinary specialist in 2001. He traveled to countless ports of call around the world and served his country with pride and distinction. PO2 Smith was honorably discharged for his admiral service in 2010.
Troy's military training developed his passion for responsibly managing guns and for preparing mouthwatering dishes/meals. On the other hand, everyone anticipated his entertaining quick comebacks that kept their get togethers lively and fun.
Following his departure from the military, Sammie gained employment as a corrections officer. He later accepted a civil service position as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.
PO2 Sammie Troy Smith learned from his military experience that "the strongest storms make the best sailors" and he applied it to other aspects of his life. "Semper Fortis"- He courageously chose not to give up. God knew his heart but had a better plan for him. He chose Sunday, June 22, 2025, to call him to eternal active duty as a soldier - only this time, in the Army of the Lord. (Unfortunately, his transition occurred a day before his and Sheena's first wedding anniversary.)
"A limb has fallen from the family tree; I hear a voice that whispers, 'Grieve not for me; Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs; The good I lived while I was strong Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you; Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest; Remembering all how I was truly blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small; Go on with your lives, don't stare at the wall; I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin; Until that fine day we're together again."
The loved ones of PO2 Sammie Troy Smith who will cherish his precious memory until they meet again are his loving and devoted wife wife: Sheena Pree-Smith of
Madison, FL; parents: Deloris Washington of
Madison, FL and Robert Robinson of FL; children: Lillie Smith and Marje Page, both of
Madison, FL and Christian Smith of Baltimore, MD; brothers: Stanley (Tracee) Tice of Valdosta, GA and Steven McGhee of
Madison, FL; sisters: Amy Graham and LaQuesha Robinson, both of
Madison, FL; mother-in-love: Sandra Pettaway Griffin (Charles Robinson) of Monticello, FL; brothers-in-love: Donald Griffin of Reno, NV; Thurman Gaines, Michael (Nicole) Robinson, and Marcus Robinson, all of Carson, CA; sisters-in-love: Tanesha Robinson of Dallas, TX and Bertha Pettaway of Los Angeles, CA; aunts: Edith Nelson, Mildred Smith, and Remia (Van) Powell, all of
Madison, FL; uncles: Alexander Washington of Lake City, FL and William (Carol) Gaines of Jacksonville, FL; Marine best friend/sister: Melinda Sweeney of VA; along with many other sorrowing relatives; comforting friends, and loving neighbors.
Loved ones who preceded PO2 Sammie Troy Smith in death were his grandparents: Alexander Washington, Lillie "Doll" Washington and Lena Neloms; uncles: Roosevelt Nelson, Sr. and Alvin Neloms; nephew: Stanley Tice, Jr. and niece: Aria Tice. "Anchors Aweigh."
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