Nuckols, Sammy L. 1945-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Sammy Leon Nuckols entered eternal rest on Jan. 27, 2025, surrounded by his children. He was born on Aug. 11, 1945, in St. Joseph, to his loving parents, Samuel Squire Nuckols and Helen Gertrude (Robertson) Nuckols.
Sammy never met a stranger, he had a kind and generous spirit, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, no matter the time or day. He had a heart of gold, giving selflessly and never asking for anything in return.
Sammy was born and raised in St. Joseph. After graduating from Easton, Missouri, High School, Sammy enlisted in the Army, serving his country with dedication. Following his time in the Army, Sammy worked for a short stint at Armour Packing and finally went on to have a fulfilling 30+ year career with St. Joseph Light & Power Company. Shortly after retirement, he pursued his love of nature, with the Missouri Wildlife Conservation Department while also pursuing his passion for working with his hands and helping others through his small engine repair shop, where his craftsmanship and determination were highlighted. If Sammy set his mind to something, he did it with excellence.
An avid outdoorsman, Sammy loved hunting and spending time in nature. He also enjoyed visiting his favorite ball fields. Sammy was dedicated to starting each day with a close-knit group of friends, better known to his kids as the “Liars Club,” sharing laughter and stories. Sammy was a proud member of the St. Joseph Moila Shriner & Free Mason organization, giving back to his community in meaningful ways.
While Sammy found joy in many things, nothing compared to the love he had for his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence brought warmth and joy to those around him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Carolyn; his children, Rodney Nuckols and wife Jennifer, Denese Campbell and husband Troy, and Jesse Nuckols; his sister, Charlotte Dreher and husband Franklin; his stepchildren, Tim Frazee and spouse Tonya, and Jeanne Walker and husband Ryan; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. There wasn’t a prouder PaPa and he was so excited with anticipation for the arrival of baby Jack.
Sammy is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Squire Nuckols and Helen Gertrude Nuckols, as well as three brothers and one sister.
Sammy was a man who gave so much and asked for so little. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 15, 2025, at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church. The family will greet guests starting at 10 a.m. with the service to follow. Services are being coordinated by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
