Sammie E. McGruder, 56, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Born on November 6, 1968 in Paterson, NJ, he was the son of the late Sammie Mack and Gloria Ann (Wise) McGruder.

He graduated from East Side High School and was employed as a forklift operator. Sammie had a passion for cars, whether it was fixing them or detailing them. Anyone who knew Sammie would always have a smile on their face because he was a joker who could make people laugh. Many years ago, Sammie received the nickname of Raleek from a childhood friend. He loved teasing his nieces and nephews with food and snacks. One of his favorite jokes was "Can I pay with my EBT card?" He loved to dance, travel, and spend time with his family. Sam knew how to light up any room he walked in.

Sammie is survived by his significant other of 21 years, Mary Castner; son, Sammie McGruder; step-daughter, Kashonda Cox; sisters, Loriann Simmons and husband, John; Theresa McGruder-Champagne and husband, L.; brother, Isaac Burton; step-grandchild, Jhourni Cox; nieces, Jahkeema McGruder, Andrea McGruder, Janayah Gilchrist; nephews, Jevar Savage, Isaiah McDonald; five loving great nephews; extended family, Sharon Ford, Cheryl Tayburn, and Connie Hengst and husband, Ray; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Second Baptist Church, 1016 Wood Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sammie's name to Living Word Fellowship, 6234 Sullivan Trail, Nazareth, PA 18064. Arrangements are entrusted to Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com.