Samuel Ross Villines, 81, a lifelong resident of Mount Sherman, Arkansas, peacefully passed away at his beloved farm on January 14, 2024. Born to John William "Bill" Villines and Orpha Pearl (Arbaugh) Villines on March 5, 1942, along the picturesque Buffalo River in Mt. Sherman, Samuel's life was a testament to his deep roots in this community.

He was joyfully united in marriage to his soulmate, Pat (Harris) Villines, on August 24, 1962, in Jasper, in a ceremony officiated by Reverend Ottis Holloway. Together, Samuel and Pat built a life filled with love and shared memories in Mount Sherman, Arkansas. They stood by each other through thick and thin, celebrating successes and navigating challenges with unwavering support. Samuel and Pat's love was a guiding light, inspiring those around them with its depth and sincerity. In their years together, Samuel and Pat nurtured a family, instilling values of love, hard work, and respect for nature and others. Their home was always a place of warmth and welcome, filled with the aroma of Pat's cooking and the sound of Samuel's stories. The legacy of their love continues to live on in the hearts of those they touched, a lasting tribute to a life beautifully shared in Mount Sherman, Arkansas.

An enthusiastic fisherman, Samuel relished being the first at the river, often outwitting his wife Pat and their family in his quest for the day's first catch. His passion for the outdoors was evident not only in his love for nature, hunting, and trapping in his younger years, but also in the joy he found in working his land. Samuel was particularly fond of cultivating his expansive garden, which was known for its abundant produce. He also took great pride in baling hay for his cattle and other animals, ensuring they were well cared for throughout the year. This deep connection to every aspect of his land on the mountain was a defining trait of Samuel's life. As a dedicated logger, he devoted his life to working the lands of Newton County, taking pride in harvesting, and selling timber. Accompanied by Ol' Shorty, his faithful mule, Samuel skillfully navigated the mountains, hauling thousands of logs in his lifetime, always in harmony with the land he loved so dearly.

Samuel's legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to his land and family lives on. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Pat Villines; his children, Rita (Kelly) Dodson, Sonya (Kenny) Seay, and Billy (Lisa) Villines; his brother, William Jeff (Tilly) Villines; his sisters, Lora (LC) Matlock and Ava (Kenny) Brasel; his grandchildren, Justin Villines, Shannon Ricketts, Jodi Bryant, Crystal Applegate, Jeanette Smith, Jordan Dodson, Jacob Dodson, Samantha Seay, and Evan Seay; his great grandchildren, Addi, Kaylee, Cayden, Hannah, Noah, Charlie, Blake, Brandon, and Shayna; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Dathna Parker, Thelma Poyner, Clara Ruth Self, and Lillie Kilgore; and two nephews, William Earl Villines and Stephen Brasel.

A celebration of Samuel's life will be held at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Mt. Sherman Assembly of God.  Brother Raymond White and Brother Jerry Patton will officiate. The service will be followed by interment at the Mt. Sherman Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Robbie Villines, Dale Villines, Justin Villines, Kendall Shelton, Tommy Spears, and Kenny Brasel.