Sammy Reece "Pop" Haskins, 69, passed on peacefully in his sleep Friday morning, January 26 at his home in Covington, TN.

Sam was born November 3, 1954 to the late Esker and Vadine Haskins of Sardis, MS.  He was the youngest of four children.  He is preceded in death by his older three sisters, Barbara, Becky, and Betty Jo.

Sam met his wife, Charlotte "Susi" Butler-Haskins, in 1978 and proposed two weeks later.  They were married over 45 years and had 3 children: Heather (Brian) Bourque of Covington, TN, Jessica (George) Opal of Lakeland, TN, and Zach (Jennifer) Haskins of Hernando, MS.  Sam officially became "Pop" at the birth of his grandchildren: Raven Bourque, Sam (Catherine) Bourque, Cooper Bourque, Kayleigh Sullivan, Kendall Haskins, and Aubrey Stallworth.

Sam flew with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FIFTEEN in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Nimitz. He worked for Exel Logistics at the Chrysler PDC for over 18 years before retiring with Dupre Logistics.

Pop loved to fish, eat seafood, ride his golfcart at his cabin in Alabama, attending the Irish Festival in Bay St. Louis, going on cruises, and tailgating with his family at the Memphis Tiger Football games.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren – making biscuits, fishing, or simply sitting on the front porch.  He always made every effort to attend their school and sporting functions whenever he was able.

Pop taught his children and grandchildren that respecting their Momma was the most important rule in life, that if you work hard, you could accomplish anything in this world, that it doesn't cost anything to be kind, family always comes first, and you don't keep a fish unless you plan on eating it.  He was charismatic and lit up the room when he walked in.  He made you laugh and smile and had the ability to make you feel as if you were the most important person in the world when he met you.

He will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Sam will be buried at 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road in Memphis, TN.