Blake Morgan Samuels
Blake Morgan Samuels, 20, of Grottoes, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
He was born on August 7, 2005 and was the son of the late Kevin Samuels, and Sarah Samuels-Thornton and Earl Thornton of Grottoes.
Blake leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and a heart that touched everyone he met. Blake joined the United States Army on February 13, 2024, serving as a corrections officer stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, as a Private First Class. He never met a stranger. He wore his heart on his sleeve, always putting the needs of others before his own. His siblings were the center of his world, and he shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Mama.
A passionate football and basketball fan, he especially loved his Packers (Go Packers!). He took great pride in his Camaro. Whether through his laughter or his compassion, Blake left an unforgettable impact on everyone who knew him. Blake was known for his quick wit and natural humor - he was a jokster - and no one ever had a frown in his presence. The world needs more people like Blake Samuels in their lives.
Blake is survived by brothers, Garrett Samuels, Parker Samuels, and Ayden Thornton; sister, Brexley Thornton; maternal grandparents, Gary Carroll and Lois Carroll; sister-in-law, Sarah Ritenour-Samuels; uncles, Bobby Carroll, Stephen Carroll, and Cody Samuels; aunt, Erin Carroll; cousins, Joshua Irvine, Cody Robertson, Mckenzie Carroll, Brayden Carroll, Kamari Medley-Green, and Addison Pence; step-mother, Danielle Payment.
In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by paternal grandmother, Beverly Samuels; paternal grandfather, Lonnie Samuels; maternal great-grandmothers, Ruth Carroll and Phyllis Claytor.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes.
A service celebrating Blake's life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, Nov. 25th at the funeral home with Chris Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
Pallbearers will be Garrett Samuels, Ayden Thornton, Brayden Carroll, Cody Robertson, Joshua Irvine, and Jonathan Wyndham. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Carroll, Bobby Carroll, Stephen Carroll, Earl Thornton, Cody Samuels, Caleb Jarrells, and Parker Samuels.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham SPCA.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com.
