Samuel Lee “Sambo” Jones

Mr. Samuel Lee “Sambo” Jones, 33, died Saturday, August 10, 2024, at his home in Oxford, MS. The funeral will be Friday, August 16, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow the service in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Water Valley, MS.

Sambo was born on September 20, 1990, in Oxford, MS, to Linda Sue Wells and Richard Lee Jones. A skilled carpenter, he crafted cabinets, leaving his touch in many homes across Oxford and Lafayette County. He held a strong work ethic, always picking up extra jobs rather than taking time to rest. Sambo measured each day by how productive he was, making sure he gave his all to each task that he handled. Though he worked hard, he managed to play even harder, with a spontaneous and energetic spirit you couldn’t help but love. Much of his free time was spent on his skateboard, learning new tricks that he’d quickly master. His favorite move was the kick flip, which he could do as good as any pro. Outgoing and full of life, Sambo’s happiness was contagious, immediately filling any room he entered. He was fearless in his pursuit to connect with others, dabbling in rapping with passion and confidence. He knew the lyrics to nearly every rap song, drawing inspiration from his favorite artists when writing and performing his own work.

Even with his extroverted and lively personality, Sambo was still filled with humility. He never missed an opportunity to help out a friend and valued time with his family above anything else. He loved to cook for his wife, never allowing her to step foot in the kitchen. A great bartender, Sambo loved mixing and preparing drinks for others to enjoy. These constant acts of service towards his family and friends were how he expressed his unconditional love for them. He was a proud and loving uncle, cherishing every minute he got to spend with his beloved nieces. Sambo was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Marjorie Wells; grandfather, Lane Jones; and niece, Kiah Aleise Robinson.

Sambo is survived by his wife, Brandy Barrett, of Oxford, MS; mother, Linda Jones of Oxford, MS; father, Ricky Lee Jones and his wife, Deborah, of Paris, MS; sister, Crystal Jones of Water Valley, MS; brothers, Walter Damon King and his wife, Annette, of Indianapolis, IN and Christopher Lee Hillhouse of Oxford, MS; his grandmother, Mardria Jones of Water Valley, MS; and his two nieces, Miah Elaine and Jaida McKenzie; his beloved dogs, Tree and Sky; as well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Sambo’s name may be made to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 848 Adams Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103 or online at https://www.lebonheur.org/.