September 7, 1948 ~ September 27, 2026 (age 78)
Sammy “crossed the River” to be with his Lord and Savior on September 27, 2026 surrounded by His beautiful family in heart and spirit.
He is preceded in death by his parents Luciano Laro and Benita Perez Laro, many brothers and sisters and one great grandchild, Kenleigh Dawn Wilgis.
Survived by his wife, Mae Laro, 5 children Samuel Laro (Tina), Joe Laro (Jennifer), Charles Fox (Angelica), Tabitha Dawn Harris (Tim), Donna Watson (Jimmy).
15 grandchildren and 22 great grands; Sister Mary Jane Sanchez (Martin) and brother Luciano Laro, Jr. (Alicia)
His journey settled in Opelika Alabama in 1974 where he was blessed with His two sons, Samuel and Joe. His boys were his pride and joy. From teaching Samuel to work on cars and anything with a motor to showing up at Joe’s baseball games, he encouraged them every step of the way. He showed them how to be a man of God who works hard and provides for his family.
His heart was transformed when He was powerfully saved at 16 years old and later became an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved to play the guitar and sing and soon began traveling across the Alabama and Georgia area as a minister. He was zealous and wanted everybody everywhere to know His Sweet Jesus and Lord.
Early in the morning on New Year’s Day in 1990, He met a beautiful lady named Mae at Shoney’s and she quickly became the Love of his life. AKA ‘His Butterfly”. They got married in March of that year and had 36 blissful and adventurous years of marriage. From the beginning, they were determined to keep GOD first and truly accomplished that. One of many jewels that will be placed in his crown at Jesus feet.
They blended two families together with 5 children. He fully accepted Mae’s children, Charles, Tabitha Dawn and Donna and began to love them as a father would. Together they cherish the special moments as a Godly Family. He was a giver of the heart and hard worker. Always providing godly and fatherly love and support every possible opportunity.
Through the 36 beautiful years he became the absolute most amazing Paw Paw to 15 Grandchildren (Sammy (Jr.), Joshua, Aaron, Kayla, Destiny, McKinsley, Kerri Halland, Alana, Azariah, Amber, Chelsea, Nicolas, Timothy, Joseph and Hannah) and 22 great grandchildren who are the apple of his eye. He left a beautiful legacy of love and kindness keeping Christ as the center of everything.
His proud career as a heavy machine operator and foreman was made through consistent dedication for Buchannan for 15 years and Cleveland Brothers for 27 years. As all of his family knows, “There’s nothing a hammer won’t fix!”.
Sammy and Mae were faithful to church throughout their marriage. Most recently, they are active members of Lakeside Church of God. They have many friends within the community.
He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. His life and conversations impacted so many lives throughout his journey here on earth continually pointing them to His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ all the way to his last breath.
In his final days his thoughts were, “In the end, we win because Jesus wins”.
May his legacy live on in us all.
Pall Bearers: Samuel Laro, Jr, Joe Laro, Samuel Laro, III, Joshua Laro, Timothy Watson, Joseph Watson, Nicolas Stoker, Caleb Laro (BB).
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