Samuel Edward Wilder, Sr.

Sam Wilder, 86, of Cumming, Georgia passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at his home following an extended illness. A resident of Georgia for his entire life, Sam was born October 19, 1936 in Dooly County and formerly lived in Byromville. He and his wife lived in Forsyth County for the past one and one-half years and are members of Hopewell United Methodist Church. Sam lived a life of service demonstrated through his involvement in the local church. Over the years, these churches included Byromville United Methodist Church, Fairburn United Methodist Church, Holy Cross M.S. Lutheran Church, and Lord of Life M.S. Lutheran Church. Additionally, he served for 12 years in the Georgia National Guard. Sam worked in sales, construction, and property management and enjoyed talking, reading, woodworking, and beekeeping. He was preceded in his death by his father, Sam Wilder; mother, Jewett Kitchens; son, Thomas William Wilder; grandson, Ian Edward Dyer; sister, Nancy Cabe; stepbrother, Jack Kitchens. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Cheryl Wilder of Cumming; his six children, Dr. Kim and Bill Dyer of Woodstock; Kay and David Horton of Brunswick; Suzanne Price of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Rev. Sam and Jennifer Wilder of Waynesboro; Dr. Michael and Ginger Wilder of Fort Worth, TX; Sarah and Chad Taylor of Cumming; 13 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; step-sister, Dot Cochran of Fairburn. Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, May 13, in Lilly City Cemetery with Rev. Hall W. Grimmett, Jr. officiating. Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.