Samuel Michael "Sammy" Clemons
October 18, 2001 ~ January 10, 2023
Samuel Michael “Sammy” Clemons, 21, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in Columbia, Missouri.
He was born October 18, 2001, in Columbia to John Mark Clemons and Jennifer Leigh Riley.
Sammy was a 2020 graduate of Jefferson City High School and was currently a junior attending the University of Missouri in Columbia studying Biology and Genomic Research. During the last four years he worked at Sonic Drive-In on Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.
Sammy enjoyed drawing, collecting DC comics, playing video games, watching comedy and scary movies. He enjoyed opportunities to volunteer with Wild Thing Feral Feline Fix program and was an advocate for the conservation and study of bats and bees. Sammy had a unique ability to brighten anyone’s day with his beautiful smile. He had a gentle, kind, compassionate nature, and was extremely intelligent and witty. He touched many hearts, and will forever be remembered, loved, and missed. Sammy was empathetic and respectful of everyone’s right to their own individuality and encouraged others to become their most authentic selves.
Survivors include his mother, Jennifer Riley, Jefferson City; three siblings, Zac (Alicia) Mendoza-Riley, Jefferson City; Channing (Justin) Smith, Kansas; Dakota Riley, Maine; maternal grandfather, William (Sylvia) Riley, Greenwood, IN; maternal step-grandfather, Stan Paczkowski, Jefferson City; aunts and uncles, Michael (Naomi) Riley, Liberty, MO; Robin (Jamey) Johnson, Columbia, MO; Michael (Julie) Clemons, Marshall, MO; Kim (Don) Mapes, Champagne, IL; Kristopher (Santina) Riley, Bartlett, IL; Andrew Riley, Greenwood, IN; cousins, William (Kelsey), Nathan, Jack, Claire, Harrison, Christian, Mark (Kylie), Nolan, Trey (Brittney), Connor, McKenna; a niece, Sawyer; and a nephew, Hayes; his most treasured friends, Brooklynn Downing and Sierra Willman; and all of his beloved cats.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Mark Clemons; his brother, Randy Riley-Chugg; paternal grandmother, Nelda Clemons; and his maternal grandmother, Carolyn Paczkowski.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Steve Blacksher officiating.
Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Wild Thing Feral Feline Fix group.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City, Missouri. trimblefunerals.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
you will be so missed sweet Sammy
Stan and family, I am so very sorry and heartbroken for Sammy’s loss. My interactions with him were limited but he was a very sweet young man with a bright future. His loss is immeasurable.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Sammy. Fly high my friend. God Bless You.💖🙏
God’s Speed, Sam on your next journey. We take comfort, despite our loss, that your path is paved with peace, lit with God’s light and cradled in his love. Our lives were enriched by your presence. You will be remembered — and missed.
Rest in Peace Sweet Sammy. The boy with the beautiful smile!!
I am truly sorry for the loss of this young man Sam was an important and constant friend to my granddaughter to my granddaughter Brooklynn just want you to know that he was irreplaceable and will be missed dearly my prayers go out to all especially for his mother thank you for bringing such a caring and special friend into Brooklynn’s life.
Ron and Nancy Johnson has purchased Designer’s Choice Arrangement for Samuel Clemons
KC Riley Family has purchased Comfort and Light Windchime for Samuel Clemons
One Call Concepts has purchased Loving Embrace for Samuel Clemons
Grandad & Grandma has purchased Pure Remembrance for Samuel Clemons
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my prayers.
My prayers are with you Jennifer and Zac. May the Lord wrap his arms around you! I know you love Sammy greatly!
Advanced Radiology has purchased Purple Majesty for Samuel Clemons
I am so sorry this happened. I also have 22 year old autistic son out in the world. I cried for your son who was so wonderful. May God comfort you.
We have been friends and neighbors of Robin and Jamey Johnson for years. Our sympathy goes out to them, family and friends.
Sammy, your smile was infectious. Anyone could look at you smiling and see how good and caring a young man you were; and it would bring a smile to their face. You were and are loved by many who’s lives you have touched. Gone too soon, but now walk with Jesus.
The Umstattd Sonic Group has purchased Boundless Love for Samuel Clemons
Sammy, your lovingkindness and sweet smile touched the hearts of everyone. You were a beautiful shining light for Christ in this world! Although we are sorrowful over our loss, we can rejoice that the legacy of your Love lives on and has no ending. Jennifer, Zac, family, and friends…may the good Lord comfort your hearts and give you peace. Keeping you all in our prayers.
He was one of the very few people I enjoyed contact with at Sonic. He always had a smile on his face, very polite, kind and very soft hearted and just a really sweet kid. I wondered where he went to, then I see this pop up and I literally cried and my heart hurst. May his family get the justice they deserve and my thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends bc I know the world just lost a great soul! RIP Sammy, you will forever be missed but never forgotten!
Sammy, your sweet smile and personality will be missed by so many. Your presence of light and love will still be felt by those who love you and knew you. Sending love, prayers, and strength.
Sammy thank you for always being supportive and kind. You were the first to tell me how cool it is to be my authentic self and it will always mean so much to me. I will forever be grateful to you and carry your kindness forever. You were a genuine person who was so bright.
Miss you a ton Sammy
I remember hanging atfer school with sierra 3 days a week and riding with you the rest. High school would of sucked without you guys. Fly high sweet boy💔
Sammy was a ray of sunshine. He had such a beautiful smile and was so kind and loving. Such a gentle person. he will be sorely missed. I love you Sammy, Grandma taAni
So very sorry.
Sgt. Kenneth Hoffman