Samuel Lee Gude, Jr.

A celebration of life for Samuel Lee Gude, Jr., who died February 7, 2022, was held Saturday, Feb. 12, at South View Cemetery in Monticello. Rev. Reginald E. Jacobs, Sr. officiated.

Samuel Lee Gude, Jr. was born July 8, 1931 to the late Samuel L. Gude, Sr. and Hattie Kate Burney Gude of Monticello.

He joined St. James A.M.E. Church in Monticello at an early age. While away from home he connected with Union Grove Baptist Church in Warner Robins, and Zion Hill Baptist in Atlanta. There, he sang in the senior choir and was on the Senior Usher Board. Samuel graduated from Jasper County Training School. He attended Morris Brown College for a year. Later, he joined the Marine Corps. After serving his country, Samuel worked at Robins Air Force Base as an aircraft technician. He was a Mason, life-member of the NAACP and volunteer policeman. Samuel was united in marriage to Zenobia Davis Gude, January 3, 1962, and to this union two children were born.

Sam was preceded in death by five brothers, Marvin Gude, Eddie Gude, Charlie Gude, Walter Lee Gude and Othis Gude; sisters, Mary Carter, Martha Pounds, Gartine Gude, Virginia Gude, Catherine Standifer, Eunice Gude, Capus Gude and Dorthy Gude.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Zenobia Davis Gude; children, Kenneth Jenkins (Sandra) of Lithonia, Samuel Lee Gude, III (Mona) of Atlanta, and Tracy Williams (Yolanda) of Warner Robins; daughters, Beverly Latrese Gude of Atlanta, Deborah Robbins (Leonard) of Atlanta, Regina Vanrisseghem (Charles) of Warner Robins and Verentta Johnson of Warner Robins; brothers, Nathaniel Gude (Tinia) of Monticello and Fred Gude (Lozie) of Decatur; sister, Annette Gude Howard. Also, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.