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Obituary For Robert Samuel "Sammy" "Big Red" Starks
MR. ROBERT SAMUEL “SAMMY” “BIG RED” STARKS – Age 75, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He was born October 8, 1950 to his late parents, Forrest Starks, Sr. and Lillie Mae Sims. Robert was a graduate of Dalton High School Class of 1969. Robert was employed as a Butcher for over 40 years for Winn Dixie, Kroger, and Food Lion. Robert retired as a Truck Driver for Shaw Industries. Robert was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church. Robert was a avid sports fan, hunter, and fisherman. As he aged, he enjoyed supporting and watching his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other children of the community play high school sports.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Starks, Sr. and Lillie Mae Sims; brothers, Terry Starks, Michael Starks, Timothy Sims, David Sims, Sr., and twins, James Sims and John Henry Sims; and brother-in-law, Willie Howard (Peter) Bonds, Jr.
Those left to cherish Robert’s memories are his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Starks; children, Tyson (Beth) Starks and Alea Shanee (Montrell) Harris; grandchildren, Macie Starks, Alexander Starks, Ziah Davidson, and Shawn Davidson; siblings, Fredrick Sims, Forrest Starks, Jr., Forrestine Cooper, Louis (Debra) Macon, and Willena (Johnny) Taylor; sisters-in-law, Lisa Sims, Isabel (Derrick) Clemons, Shelia Bonds; brothers-in-law, Harles (Buddy) Bonds, Gregory Bonds; family pet, Hamilton Davidson; a host of special friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends, and his church family.
Homegoing Celebration will be Friday, April 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church, 900 Roan St, Dalton, GA 30721, with Rev. Rodney Weaver, Eulogist and Pastor Kenneth Scaife, Presider. Interment, West Hill Cemetery. His remains will lie in state at Willis Funeral Home on Thursday from 11:00 AM to the funeral hour. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.
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Miles gray sent Red and White Handled Basket for Robert Samuel "Sammy" "Big Red" Starks - April 23, 2026
Yolanda Street sent Beautiful Dreams for Robert Samuel "Sammy" "Big Red" Starks - April 19, 2026
Karen M Searels sent Mixed Spray for Robert Samuel "Sammy" "Big Red" Starks - April 15, 2026
Karen M Searels sent Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment for Robert Samuel "Sammy" "Big Red" Starks - April 15, 2026
Our hearts goes out to the families at this sad time in life. Pastor Charles Catchings and the Liberty Baptist church family and friends.
Prayers,condolences and deepest sympathy to the family.
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Mr. Sam Starks RIP, condolences to the family. Min. TCapers (New Nazarene pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cincinnati,Oh.
On behalf all of Mountain Ridge Baptist Church Family, we offer our deepest condolences to Mrs. Jackie and the entire Starks Family. Sammy was one of the most genuine and concerned person I've ever known, and we will truly miss him, whether it was traveling to ballgames, to sitting and talking & discussing the many topics that life has to offer. Sammy would give a life lesson as to how to face it and overcome. God truly blessed him, and we say Thank You & Servant God Well Done!
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Sammy was the type of person, that he told you the truth, no matter if you wanted to hear it or not. I will miss seeing him at the ball games. He was filled with so much knowledge and wisdom. He will be truly missed. Jackie I am praying for you and the entire family. I know Mother Lillie Mae is happy seeing Sammy come through those pearly white gates.
Best butcher in Dalton!!! I know he will be missed. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO LEAD AND GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS SAD AND TRYING TIME 😭🙏🙏🙏
I've known Sammie all of my life and I have no complaints. He was my friend and I'll definitely miss him. See you in the next life my friend.
Offering Our Deepest Sympathy Our hearts are with you as you grieve this dreadful loss. We want you to know that you are not alone during this difficult time, and we are here to support you as you navigate the pain of this tragedy. Savage & Fields Family
Our hearts and Prayers go out to each of you as you go through this difficult time in your lives, New Hope Baptist Church Usher Board- Velina Weaver
My deepest sympathy to Jackie and the Starks family ,Sammy was just like family to me we grew up side by side in South Dalton on Railroad St.a lot of fun ,he will be missed RIP Sammy❤
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
