The Rockingham community is mourning the loss of Samuel Edward “Sam” Stickley, a beloved athlete, volunteer, and friend, who passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the age of 66.
Born on December 4, 1958, in Roanoke, Virginia, Sam was the son of the late Edward and JoAnne (Sarver) Stickley.
Raised in Bridgewater, he graduated from Turner Ashby High School in 1977.
Athletic from a young age, Sam played both basketball and ping pong competitively, setting the stage for a lifetime of determination and discipline.
At 29, his life changed forever when he was severely burned in an accident.
During his recovery, doctors discovered he was living with congestive heart failure.
That same year, he underwent a heart transplant, a procedure that not only saved his life but made him one of the longest-living heart transplant survivors in the country.
Samuel Stickley Won Multiple Medals In Sports
Grateful for his second chance, Sam became an outspoken advocate for the transplant community.
Representing Team Virginia in the US Transplant Games during the 1990s and 2000s, he won multiple medals in ping pong and basketball.
Known for his rigorous training, he could often be spotted running from his home on Wayside Drive to his workplace at Town and Country Furniture in Dayton, inspiring friends and neighbors with his perseverance.
Beyond sports, Sam was deeply committed to service.
He poured his time and energy into hands-on community work, from helping build homes to contributing to recreational facilities such as the Doug Will Tennis Center and structures at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds.
His giving spirit extended into his church life as well. Sam was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, serving faithfully as an usher for many years.
After his father’s passing, he honored his memory by stepping up as Head Usher, continuing a tradition of hospitality and warmth for all who walked through the church doors.
Sam’s adventurous nature shone through in his personal life.
He enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, and marathons, and was known for his daily five-mile walks around his Belmont neighborhood.
Samuel Stickley Married His High School Friend
In 2014, fate reunited him with Tammy Ward, a high school acquaintance who became the love of his life.
Together, they shared a passion for travel, embarking on numerous Carnival Cruises where they formed lifelong friendships and created cherished memories.
In 2016, Sam proposed to Tammy during one of their voyages, hoping for a large wedding surrounded by friends and family.
In recent years, Sam faced another health battle after being diagnosed with prostate cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer metastasized.
Even then, he faced the illness with courage and grace, comforted by Tammy’s care, the companionship of their puppy Bella, and the support of his hospice nurse Rachel, daughter Jessica, and honorary mother-in-law Helen.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg.
