In Loving Memory

Sam Serves

Sam Serves, 86, passed away September 21, 2008. He was born in Canton to the late Thomas and Rose (Kappasoulis), proud Greek immigrants who moved there in 1918, and spent most of his life in Akron.

He graduated from East High School, where he was a four-year letter winner in basketball while also earning All-City honors. He went on to an illustrious career at the University of Akron and was named All-Ohio Conference and All-Ohio Dream Team three times. He was inducted into both the East High School and University of Akron Halls-of Fame, as well as the Summit County and National Hellenic Basketball Association Halls-of-Fame.

Sam was also proud of becoming a self-made, successful business man. He was the owner of the Sam Serves Land Development Company, Colonial Bowling Lanes, Hol Hi Golf Course and Driving Range and the All-Ohio Sand and Gravel Company. With his success, he was able and dedicated to giving back to his community, especially with helping underprivileged youth. With his passion for basketball, he became very involved with coaching at Team Jam, as well
as a myriad of other programs and schools.

Sam's greatest love, however, was always his family. He was a profoundly dedicated husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The deep-seeded family values he learned through his Greek heritage were
something he always lived by, taught to others and never forgot.

Preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Neda and brother, Jim, he is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Tula; daughters, Sandra, Susan and Sharon; grandchildren, Joshua and Emily Smith and Chad and Kyle (Danielle) Mraz; great-granddaughter, Monroe Mraz; nieces and nephews, Cynthia Serves, Doug, Paula and Bobbie; and many other loving relatives and friends.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to Dr. Vernon Hershberger for his long-time care and friendship with Sam.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 10 a.m., at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, OH 44304, with Father Jerry Hall officiating. Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial
Park. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 26, from 2 - 4 and 5 - 8 p.m., at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St. where a Trisagios Service will be conducted by Fr. Hall at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or to the youth program at Team Jam, P.O. Box 2472, Streetsboro, OH, 44241.