Samuel Lawrence Liles

November 17, 1944-March 24, 2025

Samuel L. Liles entered into eternal rest on March 24, 2025 at the age of 80 years old. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by his wife, two daughters, and family and friends who loved him very much. Even in his final moments, Samuel expressed an immense amount of love and gratitude to his loved ones as well as those who cared for him during his final days. He was truly a blessing to those who were fortunate to have known him.

Samuel grew up in Oakland, California and was the eldest of eight children. He loved his family and never missed an opportunity to express it. During his adolescent years, Samuel enjoyed the sport of boxing which was introduced to him by his Uncle Joe, and trained at Babe's Gym in the Fruitvale district in Oakland. He won the Northern California Lightweight Championship in the late 1960's.  His love for the sport would continue throughout his life.

Samuel was a veteran of the US Army. He served during the Vietnam War (1966-1968) where he earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and a Purple Heart. He went on to work in the Glass Fabrication Industry after his Military Service. Sam worked at Owens Brockway (formerly Owens Illinois) in Oakland for 48 years until he retired in 2015. He enjoyed watching horse races, boxing matches, playing the California Lottery, and playing blackjack at the casino with his family by his side. He loved to hear about what was going on in the lives of his daughters and grandchildren. They were his "world".

Samuel is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary R. Liles; brothers Gary and Leroy Liles, and many family members who have passed before him. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Mary Liles; daughters: Nettie Baca (Alex) and Kimiko Liles-Victor (Jacob); grandchildren: Adrianna Rodriguez, Anthony Liles (Arielle), Jaime Liles-Victor, Andrew Liles-Victor; and his only great-grandchild: Aurora Liles. He is also survived by his only sister: Marie Baca; brothers: Richard, John, Lawrence, and Thomas Liles; several nephews, nieces, cousins, and his childhood best friend of 67 years, Mr. Joe Roberts.

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A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Samuel L. Liles at 10:00 AM on April 15, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM; 350 Stinson Avenue in Vacaville, California.

A graveside Service to follow at 11:30 AM on April 15, 2025 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery; 5810 Midway Road in Dixon, California.

Celebration of Life will be held at The Vacaville Veteran's Memorial Building at 549 Merchant Street in Vacaville immediately following the burial.