Mr. Samuel McCluster, Jr. of 364 Myers Street, Richland, Georgia died Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the home of his daughter in Americus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Mount Olive Church Cemetery in Stewart County, Georgia.

Mr. Samuel "Bugg" McCluster, Jr. was born to Mr. Samuel McCluster, Sr. and Mrs. Nettie Joyce Thomas McCluster on November 24, 1956 in Stewart County, GA. He passed away peacefully in a home which he loved in the presence of his youngest daughter, Regina McCluster Worth and family members on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 in Americus, GA. He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Dy'Shun "Bugg" Worth; his great grandson, Carter Ra'Keign BrownHollingsworth; his brother, Arlandra McCluster Sr.; his brothers-n-law, Green Lee Merritt, Jim "Bo" Merritt and Joe Merritt; his sister, Claudette McCluster; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann May; his uncle, Oscar    Thomas; his aunts, Mary Alice Thomas, Ella Lee McCluster, Mabel Brown, and Georgia Mae Johnson; his nephews, Tommy McCluster and Curtis McCluster; and many other family members.

At an early age, Samuel learned that Jesus Christ was the source of all good things. Knowing this, he joined Lower Sardis Baptist Church, Richland GA. He valued education and hard work by graduating with honors, class of 1975. Shortly after, he obtained a trade in Brick Masonry at Columbus Technical College. For 44 years, Samuel was joined in holy matrimony to Mrs. Jeannie Bell Merritt McCluster.  This union is blessed with two sons, two daughters, twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Samuel knew he was a diligent worker filled with unselfishness, wisdom, joy, jokes, strength, integrity, laughter, peace, and love. Samuel enjoyed family, food, music, traveling, cars, history, writing and reading. He  was known as a family person, and he played a major part in the lives of all the people whom he continued to love. He enjoyed spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Samuel was truly a husband and father within his home as well as being one of the first teachers introduced to all his children. Samuel taught his children to have integrity, life-skills and to have a love for Christ. He was a skilled outdoor hunter, talented cook, dedicated pulp-wooder, skilled at brick masonry, and collector of art and collectables.

Before passing, with the love and compassion from God, he was able to follow through on every plan that he had made. Samuel was enthusiastic about the military and everything they had to offer, especially the U.S. Army. Before departing, Samuel was recognized and awarded at Fort Moore with the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service for his life-long service dedication for recruiting and saluting on behalf of the Army. Samuel valued God, family, and education. Within his entire life he was able to articulate the balance between being quiet and humble to being bold and courageous within his words and actions. After Samuel had been diagnosed with A.L.L. Leukemia and several other related health conditions at the end of September, he remained the man who God designed him to be. He never took a moment of his time to complain or being ungrateful for whatever life poured unto him. He continued to live a joyous life, filled with love, surrounded by his family, and loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Mrs. Jeannie Bell McCluster; two sons, Mr. Sam McCluster of Richland, GA and Mr. JaCory DeVonte' McCluster of Americus, GA; two daughters, Ms. Felicia Denice McCluster of Columbus, GA and Mrs. Regina McCluster (Anthony) Worth of Americus, GA; his grandchildren, Mr. Tre'Quan Kameron (Kirnesha Smith) Wilson, Mr. Jerry Lee Scott Jr., Ms. Jazmeisha Alivia Brown, Mr. Denzel Jerell Scott, Ms. Quateria Ladaysha Brown, Ms. Alicia Denise Scott, Ms. Ebony Evon Scott, Mr. Nathan Chrisitan Hodges, Mr. Shamar Rondi-Hikeem Hodges, Mr. Travis Jermal Scott, Ms. Arielle Gianna Brown, and Mr. Javon Scott; his siblings, Mr. Frederick D. (Dollie) Waye, Mr. Marcellus McCluster, Mrs. Sheryl Annette (Al) Jackson-Hubbard, Ms. Rebecca McCluster, Mrs. Wauline (Jean France) McCluster-Brice, Mr. Oscar (Renee) McCluster, and James Woodson; one aunt, Mrs. Marie (Jospeh) Fredrick, his brother–in-law, Jimmy Merritt; his sisters-in-law, Leona Merritt Muff, Catherine Merritt and Clara Mae Merritt; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and relatives.