Samuel Dulaney French, 77, of Rumbley, died Thursday, October 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born February 1, 1946 and raised in Rumbley, he was the son of the late John Stanford French and Esther Catherine Meredith French.

He loved and took great pride in his work.  He worked 80 hour weeks for many years at Messick's Ice Company and later retired from United Van Lines moving company.  Most recently he worked at Goose Creek and enjoyed his work family there.  Over the years he truly cherished the friendships he made and enjoyed and the places he went while working.  He was also drafted in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

He was a member of the Oliver T. Beauchamp American Legion Post 94 in Princess Anne, Fairmount Academy Historical Association where he took great pride in its restoration, and he was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Fairmount until its closing.

Over the past few years, Sam enjoyed going to Hardee's for breakfast and coffee every morning with his friends.  He loved to tinker and fix things and gorilla glue often got the job done.  Most of all he loved family gatherings and his home.  He was so proud that the home he grew up in would be enjoyed by many generations to come.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Caren Hupke French; his children, Lisa Coleman (Kevin) of Nanticoke, Sam Beauchamp (Christine) of Hebron, Farabe French (Jason) of Crisfield, John Stanford French, II (Robey) of Crisfield, and Robert West whom he helped raise of Princess Anne; his sisters, Minerva "Minnie" Ford of Crisfield and Ellen Donohoe (Dave) of Princess Anne; 12 grandchildren, Christina Heath (Ron), Kelly Shiles (Dustin), Lacey Coleman, Heather Beauchamp (Jeremy), Craig Beauchamp, Brittney Bozman (Jerry), Garrett Bozman (Lauren), Ashton Bozman, Gage Hager, Cheyenne East, Delaney French, and John Willkie "Will" French; 9 great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Riley, Delanie, Adalynn, Logan, Parker, McKenzie, Garrett, and Callen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lorraine French and Beatrice Muir; and the mother of two of his children, Irene Carol Hutchinson.

Funeral services officiated by the Rev. Bob Daniels will be Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 1 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where a viewing will be one hour prior.  Interment will follow in Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Fairmount Cemetery Fund, c/o Barbara Shockley, 27859 Oriole Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853; Fairmount Volunteer Fire Company, 27407 Fairmount Road, Westover, MD 21871; or Fairmount Academy Historical Association, P.O. Box 163, Upper Fairmount, MD 21867.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com