Samuel Baldwin, Jr./III, the third oldest of seven, affectionally known to many as "Sam Bam" gracefully made his entrance into this world on Thursday, October 28, 1954 to the late Evangelist Samuel Baldwin, Jr. and Annetta Gelsey at Brewster Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

He received an early education in the Duval County Public Schools and was a proud graduate of New Stanton High School Class of 1972. Sam's favorite color was blue, because he loved his alma mater, the "Blue Devils". He liked eating beans and rice and enjoyed cooking chicken and rice.

At an early age he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He joined Bethel Baptist Church in Sweetwater under the leadership of the late Rev. William LaVant. There Sam used his melodist voice to sing praises to God.  Some of his favorite songs included: " Have You Been Tried In the Fire? " and " Fix it Jesus ". He also loved to imitate singer, Lou Rawls and you could hardly tell the voices apart. While serving at the church, he met and married Patricia A. Smalls in June of 1995 and their blended family became one.

After observing his Uncles, Joe and Lamar love of driving 18 Wheelers, Sam decided to pursue a career in transportation with North American Van Lines.  For many years he traveled along with his wife, Patricia, up and down the East Coast, from Florida to Philly, from Tennessee to New York, back to Georgia to Miami.  He later re-located to Buffalo, New York and there they joined One In Christ Ministries under the leadership of his older brother, Bishop Frederick Gelsey, Sr.  Once again, he used his voice to lift the Name of Jesus in song singing with the Men of Integrity (MOI) " I Know I've Been Changed ". The One In Christ family always requested Sam to make his scrumptious, delicious banana pudding for every fellowship dinner at the church...that was hummm good!

Sam's final message to us as he re-dedicated his life to Christ, he stated, " I am waiting until my change come ". On November 29 ^th at 11 a.m. he heard his call " When Sunday Comes " (by the late Daryl Coley), as he entered a new realm of life - he indeed received his change!!

He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife of 25 years, Patricia A. Baldwin; children/grandson, Shaquana Bellamy, Tomeka Bellamy and Jordan Scott; step-children, James (Darla), Della (Will) of Philadelphia, Rodney (Diane) and Vickie (Joe); devoted mother, Annetta Gelsey Bonam; caring step-mother, Punch Baldwin; siblings , Bishop Frederick Gelsey, Sr. (Dr. Lydia), Sandra Green, Retired Sgt. Major Harold Baldwin (Trina), Cynthia Conner (Greg), Alecia Tremble, and Patricia McKinnon along with a host of grands, great-grands, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.