January 8, 1939 – December 22, 2016
Stanley Edwin Alexander Samms, affectionately known as “Devon”, was born January 8, 1939 to the late Phillip Benjamin Samms and Gladys Louise Samms (Nee Cunningham) in Kingston, Jamaica.
Stanley lived on Arnold Road, Allman Town and worshipped at St. Matthews Anglican Church. He attended Allman Town Elementary school and was successful in the common entrance examination to Kingston College, an all-boys private Anglican high school. As a teenager, Stanley’s favourite meal was “Stew Peas and Rice.” His mother would cook it frequently just for him and he enjoyed it tremendously with a touch of Jamaican pick-a-pepper sauce. Stanley loved ping pong, soccer and tennis which he played regularly. During his summer holidays, he had the opportunity to work at Desnoes and Geddes, the beer factory where his dad was the brew master. After graduating from high school in 1956, he attended the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland where he obtained a degree in Accounting. He began his gainful employment at Remploy Limited, in England in 1963 as an accountant. He returned to Jamaica a few years later.
Upon returning to Jamaica (in 1966) Stanley worked as the accountant at Trelawny Estates Ltd. (one of the world’s largest distillers of and world leader in rum production). Being the goal-oriented person that he was, always seeking means of self-improvement, Stanley left this position in 1969 to pursue further education in New York.
In May 1969, Stanley began working at Kmart as a Store Payroll Manager and later became Manager of Financial Research. He remained at Kmart for 28 years and rose to the level of Assistant Controller. While working at Kmart he attended Baruch College in Manhattan where he obtained a BBA degree in accounting in 1974. Two years later he completed an MBA in Finance and Investments at the same institution. Later, Stanley continued his studies and became a Certified Financial Planner in 1991. He also became a licensed Real Estate Broker in both New York and New Jersey.
Towards the end of his term at Kmart he became ill and was unable to continue his duties. He went on disability until he officially retired in 2004 at age 65. Although he was ill, Stanley did not rest. He continued his passion for finance by forming his own company which provided services in financial planning, insurance sales and real estate. Here he worked at his own pace and on a part time basis whenever his health allowed. Stanley contributed to many charitable organizations and willingly assisted others in managing their financial endeavors and needs. He was compliant in all medical protocols designed for him. Despite his effort, his general condition continued to deteriorate and after several hospital admissions he expired on December 22nd 2016.
Stanley is survived by his loving wife True of 45 years; his two sisters Grace Samms of Florida and Bridget MacIntosh of Ontario Canada, and her husband Peter; nephews Mark, Peter and Roger MacIntosh; niece Tracy St. Louis; brother-in-law Lavrell (Sonny) Wills, his wife Daphne, and children Wayne, Paul, Devon and Andrew; sister-in-law Goldie Thompson, her husband Horace, and children Kay Hoskey, Ian Thompson and Jay Thompson.
Stanley entered Kingston College in January 1950 and graduated in December 1956.
Stanley was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He will be truly missed by us all.