Sam Vernon Herndon

Obituary For Sam Vernon Herndon

Mr. Sam Vernon Herndon of Spartanburg, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest, peacefully at the age of 75, at Union Post Acute, Union SC, on October 4, 2025. He was born on June 16, 1950, in Spartanburg County, SC to the late Cornelia Beatrice Herndon and Franklin Wofford.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Pitts Herndon, his brother, Johnny Steve Herndon and Marvin Wofford; sister, Louise Peoples; and grandparents, Rev. Almanis (Rachel) Herndon.

Sam received an education at Carver High School, Class of 1968 in Spartanburg, SC, and six months at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. He served in the United States Army, where he was honorably discharged.

He was previously employed at Andrew Bearings Company, Spartanburg, SC. At an early age, Sam took interest in electronics. His siblings would come home from school and hear music playing in the trees from a small radio that Sam had built. Later in life, he was the neighborhood television and radio repairman. If you needed any type of electronic device repaired, you automatically took it to Sam for repair. In addition to being an electronic guru, Sam played the piano and occasionally did a little singing. Sam was a vivid photographer. Any social family gathering would usually take place with Sam taking pictures or videos of everyone there.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life to: one daughter, Sandra Marie Herndon of Spartanburg, SC; one sister, Gwendolyn Prince (Eugene) Lawrence of Statesville, NC; three brothers, Alfred Herndon, Bobby (Ann) Herndon, Willie James Herndon; four grandchildren, Diquan Herndon (fiancé Alicia Tomlin), Jashanti Hall, Jabarri Wilkins, and Sanijah Mitchell; one great-grandson, Kingston Hall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.