Mr. Samuel Isaac Parham, 85, affectionally known as "Sam" transitioned on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Sam was the youngest child of twelve born on December 5, 1940 to the late Bert Parham and the late Fannie Scott Parham C. Harris.  Sam was a native of Chesterfield County, (Colonial Heights), Virginia.

Mr. Parham accepted Christ with his formative religious years being served at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia.  He was a member of Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Mr. Parham was educated in the Chesterfield and Petersburg Public School systems graduating from Peabody High School, the Lions in 1960. Sam along with his brother Eddie were outstanding athletes, lettering in football and basketball for the Lions. They were a dynamic duo winning many games together.  His outstanding athletic ability took him and his brother to Jefferson City, Missouri where he attended Lincoln University.

Mr. Parham made his home in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, Frances.

Mr. Parham was preceded in death by ten siblings, Sue P. Jones, Lucy P. Wood, Elizabeth P. Williams, Bert Parham, Jr., James Parham, Charles Parham, Fannie M. P. Hamilton, Nannie P. Bonner, Lee Roy Parham, and Edward Parham.

Mr. Parham, Sam, leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Frances Parham; son, Corey Parham; stepsons, Harold Matthew, Jr., (Linda), State Bishop Duane Matthews; stepdaughter, Rev. Sonya Matthews; sister, Mattie P. Bell; grandchild, Dr. Corrianna Parham; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Samuel Parham will be held 12:00 Noon, Friday, January 30, 2026, at Rock of Jesus Missionary Baptist Church, 3490 18th Avenue South, St. Petersburg. FL.

Family visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon, the day of the service.

Obituary courtesy of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, 23803, (804)732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Services handled by Smith Funeral Home, Inc.  St. Petersburg, FL, www.smithfhinc.com.