Samuel Herrington

Samuel Herrington was born in January of 1940 in Blackshear, Georgia, to Caleb and Victoria Harrington. Sam's family's last name is spelled with an "A", which was how he spelled his last name growing up and in school. When he joined the Air Force, it was discovered that his birth certificate had his last name spelled with an "E" and that's how his last name has remained. Sam was the 6th of 9 children. He is preceded in death by brothers Simon Harrington, Richard Harrington and James (Joe) Harrington and sisters Lillie Harrington, Annette Harrington and Theadoshia Harrington. Sam is survived by sisters Verdie Wade and Rose Harrington both of Homestead, Florida.

Sam grew up in Miami and graduated from Mays High School in 1959. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1960. Sam was stationed at Lowry AFB in Denver, Colorado where he retired in 1980 with the rank of Tech Sargeant. Sam received 13 separate Awards, Medals, and Commendations for his service, including the Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal awarded for his service while serving in Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

After military retirement he was employed at the VA Medical Center in Denver and retired again when he reached the age of 65.
Sam was the father of two children. Rita Herrington of Tacoma WA and Patrick Herrington who preceded him in death. After joining the US Navy, Patrick participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom where he died in 2006.

Sam married Janet (Rusti) Herrington in 1988. During their 23 years together, they shared a love of fishing and the outdoors. When Rusti became ill, Sam took loving care of her until her death in 2011. Sam and Rusti created a blended family who remain very close.

Sam suffered a debilitating stroke in 2014. At that time his lifestyle drastically changed. He accepted with grace that he wasn't physically able to do the things he used to. Sam was no longer able to live independently. Family worked together to keep him at home where he wanted to be. His grandson Christian Henton assumed the role of primary care giver. Sam never lost his sense of humor, or his love of family, especially children. It didn't matter how many children climbed onto his lap at one time. He simply said, "leave those kids alone"

Sam loved westerns, the Miami Dolphins and listening to stories about Jesus.

Sam leaves behind his daughter Rita Herrington of Tacoma, WA, step daughter Ricki (Claude) Henton of Denver, grandchildren – Christian Herrington of Michigan, Jordyn Herrington and Alex Herrington of Tennessee, Melanie Henton and Christian Henton of Denver. 8 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren all of Denver. Sisters Verdie Wade and Rose Harrington of Florida. He also will be missed by a host of relatives and friends.