Franklin Virginia – Rev. Dr. Sammy C. Vaughan, 89, of Scottswood Drive, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at the South Hampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, VA with loving family by his side. He was the husband of 63 years to the late Gwendolyn E. (Maynard) Vaughan.
He was born in Brooklyn, NY, but moved to Franklin, VA at an early age. He is the son of the late Hattie Cobb Vaughan. He attended both elementary and high school in that city. He graduated from Hayden High School in June of 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and after a time found himself stationed in Rhode Island at the Quonset Point Naval Base. He married his bride and the love of his life, Gwendolyn, in December 1952. They were transferred to Hutchinson, KS for three years; then to Norfolk, VA for twenty-eight months and returned to Providence, RI in 1957. He had several tours of duty aboard naval aircraft carriers and traveled the world. He and his wife decided to make the Navy a career and remained for a total period of 22 years until he retired in August 1969 as Chief Aviation Storekeeper. He was the recipient of four good conduct medals.
Shortly after leaving the Navy, he began working in the Personnel Department of the Rhode Island Hospital (RIH). He was no stranger to RIH for he had been employed there for the previous 17 years, mostly as a supervisor in the Housekeeping Department. He retired as Director of Community Relations/EEO for Lifespan Corporate Services, which combined with service to RIH, represents over thirty-five years of total service.
He attended the University of Rhode Island where he pursued a degree in Business Administration. In 1972, he transferred to Providence College where he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospital Administration. He went on to take graduate level courses at Bryant College, Providence College and Barrington College. He subsequently received a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Religious Education degree in 1997 from Andersonville Baptist Seminary.
He was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church Providence, RI for over 30 years and served as a deacon. Ebenezer Baptist Church licensed him to preach the gospel in 1983. He was ordained into the Ministry in 1988 at the First Baptist Church of Franklin, VA. He has preached across the United States from Yakima, Washington to Nova Scotia. In 1991, he was called to serve as Pastor of the Saint James Baptist Church of Woonsocket, RI. Under his leadership, the church accomplishments included the formation of a Bible Study Program; growing the church membership; modernizing the Parsonage; developing church resources including, but not limited to, acquiring the National Guard Armory, adjacent to the church property, from the State of Rhode Island and creating a Non-Profit Community Outreach and Resource Center. He served the greater Woonsocket community with passion and devotion, bringing the good news of God’s love, grace, spirit and truth on a daily basis to people from all walks of life. Rev. Vaughan retired from service at St. James in October 2017. He and First Lady Vaughan were blessed in their ministry and; in the name of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ; Saint James Baptist Church remains a vibrant congregation with great work ongoing!
When he returned to Virginia to reside in 2017, he held a brief membership at the church of his youth, First Baptist Church of Franklin, VA. He then united in membership with the First Baptist Church Mahan in Suffolk, VA, under the dynamic leadership of the Reverend Dr. Steven G. Blunt; where he remained a member and Associate Minister until the time of his death.
He served as the Past President of the United Baptist Convention for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Human Development Center of Greater Woonsocket, as a member of the Corporation of Women and Infants Hospital, as President of the Minister’s Alliance of Rhode Island, and as a Chaplain for the Woonsocket Police Department. He is past Chairman of the Board of Directors, O.I.C. of Rhode Island and past Regional Vice Chairman, Region I, O.I.C. of America, Inc. He was member of the Executive Board of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.; Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurses of Greater Woonsocket; Urban League of RI; NAACP of Woonsocket; The Phylaxis Society; Juvenile Hearing Board of Woonsocket; RI Baptist Education Society; RI Governor’s Advisory Council on Health.
He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards.
He is a Past Grand Master, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of Rhode Island; Grand Prior, Council of Deliberation; Past Grand Chaplin, Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star (PHA); a Thirty-Third degree Prince Hall Mason; member of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction; Past Master of the King David Lodge #7; Past Worthy Matron of AREME Chapter #3 Order of the Eastern Star; Past Prior, Mount Sinai Consistory #12; Member of the Constantine Temple #14.
Rev. Dr. Sammy C. Vaughan is survived by his three sons, Vincent C. Vaughan and his wife Denise of Riverside, RI, Richard K. Vaughan and his wife Aleshia of Providence, RI, and Dr. Michael L. Vaughan and his wife Cheryl of Newark, DE, and one daughter, Vianne B. Olds and her husband Henry of Franklin, VA; three brothers-in-law, Alan Maynard (Angie) of Rumford, MA, Dennis Maynard (Charlene) of Rehoboth, MA, and Stephen Maynard (Vondella) of Upper Marlboro, MD and one sister-in-law, Irene Moore of Orange, NJ; six grandchildren, Henry (Stephanie), Corey (Chonda), Lateshia (late Kemah), Samantha (Sheba), Sterling & Carter, five great-grandchildren, Cameron, Alexis, Khali, Caleb & Laylah, many nephews and nieces and a host of extended family and friends.
He is predeceased by father-in-law, Gilmore Cox-Maynard, mother-in-law Dorothy Baker Maynard, three brothers-in-law, Richard Maynard (Allene), Gilmore Maynard (late Geisla) and Robert Maynard (Elizabeth) and one sister-in-law, Vioris Ferrell-Crouch (Ertis).
Affectionately known as “Sammy,” he is loved and respected by all who knew him!
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Jeffrey C. Thomas (Rev.), Pastor SJBC says
July 12, 2020 at 8:03 amOn behalf of the St. James Baptist Church 340 South Main St. Woonsocket, RI 02895 I share the following.
We take heart in the fact that The Rev. Dr. Sammy C. Vaughan passed our way. Pastor Vaughan served us with generosity of spirit for 28 years. We are forever changed for the better because God empowered our Pastor in significant ways. Pastor and Mrs. Gwendolyn Vaughan will truly be missed but the confidence and strength they deposited in our hearts will sustain us for a bright future. Thank you Pastor. Rest well.
Jeffrey C. Thomas,( Rev.) MS, MA Pastor
Honor and Lillian Woidard says
July 15, 2020 at 9:33 pmWe are missing Reverend Vaughn along with you. With heartfelt sympathy. Honor and Lillian Woodard
Mrs Bernice L. Jessie says
July 16, 2020 at 12:27 pmMy deepest condolences to family of Rev.Dr.Vaughan he will be missed. God the entire family.
Marcus & Vera Moore says
July 12, 2020 at 9:17 amTo Michael & Family
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He established a great legacy with his children. We pray that fond memories will comfort you during this difficult time.
Marcus & Vera Moore of Newark, DE
Kristine K. Williams says
July 12, 2020 at 9:45 amSo sorry for your loss. He an Ms. Gwen were friends with my parents the late Mr. & Mrs. LeRoy Williams. RIP Rev Sammy????❤????
Cynthia Donkoh says
July 12, 2020 at 11:02 amSorry for your loss.
Tirrell Markey Eley says
July 15, 2020 at 1:52 pmSending prayers for the family.
Sandy Garrick says
July 12, 2020 at 11:43 amTo the Vaughn Family, May God continue to comfort you and family . RIP Rev
Robin Morgan says
July 12, 2020 at 12:15 pmTo Michael and all in the family of Sammy Vaughan…. Here at the University of Delaware, we are thinking of you and praying that your faith and the love that binds your family will guide you through this difficult time. May you be strengthened by many happy memories and by the pride you have in the tremendous life that Sammy Vaughan lived. Robin Morgan, Provost, University of Delaware
Dianne Becton says
July 12, 2020 at 1:46 pmTo Vincent, Ricky, Michael & family
With deepest sympathy.
Rhea Turner, Marsha Foster &
Dianne Becton
Rev. Alvin Riley says
July 12, 2020 at 3:29 pmOn behalf of Pastor and Members of Mt. Zion AME Church in Newport, Rhode Island we convey our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of our brother in Christ. Oh grave where is your victory? But thanks be to God who gives us the victory. We praise God for the life and ministry of Rev Sammy Vaughn.
J Wayne Edmondson and Gwen Lampkin says
July 12, 2020 at 5:46 pmTo the Vaughn Family We extend our deepest. May God Bless and keep each of you
J Wayne Edmondson and Gwen Lampkin says
July 12, 2020 at 5:52 pmTo the Vaughn Family We extend our deepest sympathy. May God Bless and keep each of you
George S. Banks says
July 12, 2020 at 6:08 pmOn Behalf of Our Family, members in Rhode Island, Washington DC, and Hampton, Virginia we express our Heart Felt Condolence to our Family in the passing of our Father , Brother, Pastor and Friend in Christ. We will forever miss you, Thank you for all your Help. but we know Pastor Sammy Vaughan you have gone to do some additional work for Our ALMIGHTY GOD. Peace be on to the Family.
Metts Family says
July 12, 2020 at 8:32 pmThe Metts family thank God for Rev. Vaughan who was a neighbor on Dudley Street, Providence where he and his lovely wife raised their children (around my age). He was a pillar in our community and mentor to many with his passion for equal opportunity, and his spirituality.
One of my fondest moments was when he ordained me as a Deacon at the Congdon Street Baptist Church in Providence in June 1998.
He also provided Steady encouragement for me as the 2nd African American State Senator in the history of Rhode Island.
To God be the glory for blessing us with Rev. Vaughan, a humble Servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Senator/Deacon
Harold M. Metts and Family
Juan and Sharon Roach says
July 12, 2020 at 10:12 pmMike, Cheryl, Sterling and Carter – Please know that our prayer is God will strengthen you all during this time. Dad, as we lovingly called him, always had time to share a word from the Lord and his faith and wisdom were beyond measure. We Celebrate his life and Cherish the memories of fellowship and breaking bread together. Dad will forever be in our hearts and we are eternally grateful for knowing him – Peace and Blessings, as We extend our sincere love, Your Friends, Juan and Sharon Roach
Kathleen Pina says
July 12, 2020 at 10:23 pmThank you God for sharing this wonderful man who fed my soul for many years at SJBC. My condolences to his family and friends, Resting now with Ms Vaughn aka Baby and his lord.
Lois.Orick says
July 13, 2020 at 2:14 amTo Vianne, Henry, and the entire Vaughan family: I am so sorry about the passing of your loved one. I didn’t know him personally but was blessed to have met him many years ago. I know your hearts are heavy because it’s hard to say goodbye to the ones we love. It’s very obvious that Mr. Vaughan was a man of wisdom, a man of God, knowledge, and was highly respected. He accomplished so much in his lifetime, leaving a legacy for all of you to be proud of. As you are missing him, think of the great times you had together, the love you shared, the storms of life that you faced together, and the list goes on and on. Remember his teachings, his love for God, and all the things he did to help others. Lean on God, on each other, your faith, and the wonderful memories that you will carry in your hearts forever. I am sending lots of love and hugs to you. I am thinking of you now and in days and months to come. Rest in peace Mr. Vaughan.
Anne Marie Kelly says
July 13, 2020 at 12:24 pmTo the Vaughan Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I was so sad to hear about Rev. Vaughan’s passing, I had the pleasure of working for him for many years at Rhode Island Hospital. He was a great man and a great boss. Rest in Peace Mr. V.
Anne Marie
Ronell Brown says
July 13, 2020 at 1:31 pmTo Mike, Cheryl, Sterling and Carter you have my deepest sympathy, you are family I am glad I got to meet and break bread with your dad. With sincere love Ronell.
Theodore Chaplin says
July 13, 2020 at 6:26 pmOur sincerest sympathy to the Vaughn family on the passing of your loved on. He and his wife were friends of my parents the late Deacon and Deaconess James and Mary Watson of SJBC. As a member I was blessed to serve on the Installations committee for him as our pastor. He also served with my stepdad in the U.S. Navy and as Masons.
Rev. Vaughn was a true man of God and the sermons he preached and his. ministry will be remembered always. The citizens and community of Woonsocket are grateful for his efforts for making our lives better living with each other.
Love and hugs,
T.Ronald Chaplin, Seth Chaplin, Richard Schull
Woonsocket, R.I.u
Josephne Byrd says
July 14, 2020 at 5:35 pmRest in Peace Rev. Vaughan. The Byrd family sends our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the family. I know Qwen was happy to see you again! Until we meet again.
Dorothy and Butch James says
July 13, 2020 at 7:05 pmTo the Vaugh Family
He was a gentleman and man of God. It was our privilege to know him. May he rejoice in his Savior and reunite with his wife.
Sympathy and Prayers
Dorothy and Butch Jamez
Patricia (Dodd) Smith says
July 13, 2020 at 9:01 pmI would like to express my deepest sympathy for all of his family!!! This man was truly a man of God!!! He married me and my husband and he Christened my youngest daughter. He was a kind and loving soul!!! He will be missed by many!!!
Patricia (Dodd) Smith
Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Smothers says
July 16, 2020 at 12:26 pmTo the family of Rev. Dr. Sammy Vaughn we send our deepest, heartfelt sympathy and ongoing prayers for your peace and comfort in the Lord. Dr. Vaughn was truly a warrior servant of God and we remember him fondly.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Smothers and Minister Walter Smothers and
Second Free Will Baptist Church in Providence, RI
Tracy Bradshaw says
July 13, 2020 at 11:20 pmTo Mrs Olds and family
You and your family are in my heart and mind. My condolences on the passing of your father and my friend and neighbor. I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek. May my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss. I offer you my thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this difficult time in your life.
Prayerfully submitted, Tracy Bradshaw
Krystal G Emanuel says
July 14, 2020 at 11:25 amSo sorry for your loss Rev. Vaughn was a wonderful friend to our family for many years .He will be missed ..but find comfort knowing He is now resting with his bridea sweet lady .Deepest condolences
The Emanuel Family Norberto Krystal ( Garrick) & Zair ( Mikeys butd Matgret .) Keep your heads UP FAMILY !
ARTHUR "HEAVY" SPEAKS says
July 15, 2020 at 1:21 pmTO VINCENT, RICHARD, MICHAEL AND VIANNE, I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER THE REVEREND DR. SAMMY C. VAUGHAN. I HAVE KNOWN THE VAUGHAN FAMILY ALL OF MY LIFE WHEN WE WERE NEIGHBORS ON DUDLEY STREET AND WEST CLIFFORD STREET. I GREW UP WITH VINCENT FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL. I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY DEEPEST AND SINCERE SYMPATHIES AND CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE VAUGHAN FAMILY AND EXTENDED FAMILY. REVEREND VAUGHAN WAS ALWAYS A DOWN TO EARTH KIND OF MAN WHO KEPT IT REAL AND TOLD IT LIKE IT WAS. HIS SERMONS WERE ALWAYS FILLED WITH HIS PERSONAL LIFE EXPERIENCES. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! PRAISE THE LORD! HALLELUJAH! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE ENTIRE VAUGHAN FAMILY. MAY THE PEACE OF THE LORD ALWAYS BE WITH YOU! MAY THE REVEREND DR. SAMMY C. VAUGHAN REST IN ETERNAL PEACE. AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!
Sheldon Street Church, Providence, RI 02906 says
July 15, 2020 at 3:57 pmPastor Charles A. Smith, Sheldon Street Church
On behalf of the membership at Sheldon Street Church, Providence, Rhode Island, we are deeply saddened in the passing of our friend Pastor Vaughan. We enjoyed a personal relationship with him and his wife. He was an active supporter to our church ministries. Some of our members worked with him, personally fellowshipped with him and his family receiving much inspiration and joy in their presence. May the family member be encouraged, strengthened and comforted in the legacy of their loved one, Rev.Dr. Sammy C. Vaughan
Gladys E. Thomas says
July 15, 2020 at 5:21 pmI am saddened to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great man, and I’ll never forget his infectious smile.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 NIV
Beverly Garrick Taylor says
July 15, 2020 at 8:12 pmTo:Vinny, Ricky, Michael And Family
So sad to here of the loss of your Father. Fondly, remembering him singing “He’s So Wonderful” with the EBC Celestial Chorus. Continue to “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”.
Family Always,
Beverly Garrick Taylor
Valrica Olds says
July 15, 2020 at 11:10 pmTo Vianne and The Vaughan Family, I’m sadden to hear of the passing of your father. I know how it is to lose one of your parents, because I was a daddy’s girl. I just want you to know that, you and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. You have my condolences. Love, Valrica Olds
Gabrielle Prescott says
July 16, 2020 at 8:33 amToday is a sad day. Pastor Vaughan you will forever be my Pastor. I know you are resting in God’s loving arms and he is pleased with the life you lived here on earth.
Love Gabby Prescott
James O. Turner, Sr., Esq. says
July 16, 2020 at 2:11 pmTo Dean Vaughan and the Vaughan family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Rev. Vaughan. Your family at Bethel A.M.E. in Wilmington, DE has you in our thoughts and prayers.
Matthew W. Horace says
July 16, 2020 at 5:58 pmThe world is a different place because you are not in it. It is also a better place because you were in it. May GOD continue to keep his loving and merciful arms around the whole Vaughan family. I already miss having men like Sammy in my family.
Tears And Joy
Matt
Vaughan Family says
July 17, 2020 at 3:59 pmThanks to all for your thoughts, prayers and kind words of comfort. We are holding on by our faith. God bless!
The Vaughan Family
Anna L Jordan says
April 28, 2022 at 3:05 pm4/28/2022 So sorry to hear of this long time friend passing. may God be with the family.
Anna Jordan
P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148