Samuel Joshua Holyfield Obituary, Death: Samuel Joshua Holyfield Flint, 17-Year-Old Lincoln High School Senior from Shinnston, WV, Tragically Dies in Car Accident on October 11, 2024; Devastated Family, Friends, and Community Mourn the Loss of a Bright, Passionate Student-Athlete with Aspirations in Physical Therapy; Samuel’s Passing Leaves an Irreplaceable Void as Loved Ones Remember His Dedication to School, Athletics, Work, and the Kindness He Shared with Everyone Around Him; Funeral Services to be Held in Shinnston as Family Honors the Cherished Memory of Their Beloved Son, Brother, Grandson, and Friend”
The small town of Shinnston, West Virginia, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Samuel Joshua Holyfield Flint, a senior at Lincoln High School, who tragically passed away following a car accident on Friday, October 11, 2024. Samuel’s untimely death has left his family, friends, and the entire community in shock and disbelief as they come to terms with the loss of a bright young man whose future was filled with promise. Born on March 20, 2007, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Samuel was the son of Rebecca Alexis Maversa Isabel Holyfield Taylor and her husband, John, from Pittsburgh, as well as Joshua D. Flint of Shinnston. His life, though tragically cut short, was marked by his vibrant spirit, dedication to his studies and sports, and the love and kindness he shared with everyone he met.
Samuel Flint was an integral part of the Lincoln High School community, where he was deeply involved in both academics and athletics. As a senior, Samuel was known for his strong work ethic, his passion for learning, and his commitment to his friends and teammates. His participation in various sports, including basketball, football, track, cross-country, and wrestling, demonstrated his dedication and passion for athletics, where he always strove to excel. Whether on the field, on the court, or in the classroom, Samuel’s determination to succeed was evident to all who knew him. His coaches and teammates describe him as a hard worker who never gave up, someone who led by example and inspired others through his actions. His athletic abilities, combined with his infectious sense of humor and genuine care for others, made him a beloved member of the school community.
In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Samuel was also working at Chick-fil-A, where he had quickly progressed and was earning a good income. His drive and dedication to his job were just further reflections of the work ethic that defined him in all areas of his life. Samuel’s goal was to pursue a career in physical therapy, and he had been well-prepared to embark on this journey after high school. His passion for helping others was evident in his choice of career path, and those who knew him have spoken of the positive impact he had on their lives through his kind and caring nature. Samuel was someone who always looked out for others and was there to offer support, whether it was for a teammate, a classmate, or a family member.
Samuel’s death has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, who are now struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief of losing a son, brother, and grandson. His family remembers him as a young man filled with warmth, laughter, and love, someone who brought joy to their lives every day. He is survived by his loving mother, Rebecca Alexis Maversa Isabel Holyfield Taylor, and her husband, John, as well as his father, Joshua D. Flint, and his brother, Adam Fleming, of Morgantown. Samuel also leaves behind his devoted grandparents, Walter R. and Donna Flint, of Morgantown, who played an important role in his life, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him. His cherished dogs, Cash and Scout, were also an important part of his life, bringing him companionship and happiness.
The extended Holyfield and Flint families are devastated by the loss of Samuel, and their grief is shared by the many friends, classmates, and teachers who had the privilege of knowing him. His aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Deborah Wright, Marc Samuel Holyfield II, Cornelius Holyfield, Samantha Holyfield, Elijah Holyfield, Jessica Holyfield, Isabel Holyfield, Tiffany Sidberry, Whitney Flint, Amber Cogar, Tyler Dillow, and Cierra Wolfe, will always remember Samuel for his bright smile, his sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. The deep bonds Samuel had with his family were evident in the way he lived his life, always showing love, respect, and loyalty to those closest to him. His passing leaves an irreplaceable gap in their lives, but the legacy of love and kindness he leaves behind will continue to inspire them.
Samuel was also close to his great-grandparents, including Paula Mavis Holyfield, Nina Alice Cole, and Edna Leona, who was his closest friend. Although they passed before him, Samuel maintained a deep connection to their memory and the values they instilled in him. His family finds some solace in knowing that Samuel is now reunited with them in peace, but the pain of losing him remains immense. The loss of a young man with so much potential and a future filled with possibilities is a tragedy that has affected all who knew him. The town of Shinnston is mourning alongside the Flint and Holyfield families as they remember a young man who made such a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
As the community grieves, the outpouring of love and support has provided comfort to Samuel’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Friends and neighbors have expressed their condolences and shared their own memories of Samuel, recalling the many ways in which he touched their lives. Whether it was through a kind word, a joke that brightened their day, or a helping hand when they needed it most, Samuel’s influence on those around him was profound. His ability to make people laugh and feel at ease was one of his many gifts, and his friends have spoken of the countless moments of joy they shared with him. Samuel’s sense of humor and his ability to connect with others made him a friend to everyone, and his passing has left a void that will be impossible to fill.
On Monday, October 14, 2024, friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Samuel and offer their support to his grieving family. A visitation will be held at Perine Funeral Home in Shinnston, located at 1348 S. Pike St., from 2 to 8 p.m. The funeral service, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, will be presided over by Pastor Michael Holyfield, Samuel’s great-uncle, who will lead the family and community in honoring Samuel’s life and memory. The service will be a time for reflection, mourning, and the celebration of a life that, though cut tragically short, was filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments.
The passing of Samuel Joshua Holyfield Flint is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. His family, friends, and community are left to navigate the overwhelming grief that comes with such a sudden loss, but they do so knowing that Samuel’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His kindness, his dedication, and his sense of humor will never be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives. As the community of Shinnston comes together to honor Samuel’s memory, they do so with heavy hearts, but also with gratitude for the time they had with such a remarkable young man.
In the wake of Samuel’s passing, the community is also reminded of the importance of supporting one another in times of grief. His family has expressed their deep appreciation for the love and support they have received from friends, neighbors, and the wider community, and they take comfort in knowing that Samuel’s life made such a positive impact on so many. As they prepare to say their final goodbyes, they do so with the knowledge that Samuel’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all those he touched. His passing may leave a void, but his memory will continue to bring light and love to those who knew him.
As Shinnston, West Virginia, says goodbye to one of its own, the community reflects on the life of a young man who embodied the values of love, friendship, and dedication. Samuel Flint’s passing is a tragedy, but his life is a testament to the positive impact one person can have on the world around them. His memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community members. Though he may be gone, Samuel Joshua Holyfield Flint will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those who loved him.
