Samuel David Peronia, 72, known to those who loved him most as Dad, Pawpaw, Grandpa, Sam and Sammy, passed from this life on Aug. 24, 2024, at home after a long and bravely fought battle with cancer and congestive heart failure. He was born to Robert Lee Peronia and Opal Lee Bittle, in a small town called Bowman, Ark., on Sept. 27, 1951.
He is survived by his youngest daughter, Carrie Cupples (Nick) of El Dorado; son, Robert Peronia (Chris) of Higginson; sister, Evelyn Ward of New Orleans, La.; son-in-law, Earl Bryant of Jonesboro; five grandchildren, Jamison and Jared Bryant, David, Benjamin and Callum Cupples; great grandchildren, and several others that saw him as family, (including his ex-wife, Patricia Peronia, who helped to care for him until the very end).
He was preceded in death by both his mother and father; oldest daughter, Michelle Bryant; brother, Duffy Peronia; long term girlfriend, Mary Seay; stepdad Herbert Bittle; and many other family members.
Sam was a stubborn man, but had a very big heart. He took in those around him as his own and never knew a stranger. Being a dad and a grandpa was his most cherished part of life. He loved and was proud of his children and had such a deep love for his grandchildren. He never failed to talk about any of them, always with a beaming expression across his face. He enjoyed gardening, watching movies and eating popcorn, putting puzzles together with his youngest grandson, playing games on his computer, traveling (when he was able), and listening to music. He loved spaghetti, (his ex wife’s) meatloaf, “Taco Tuesdays,” and “Fish Fridays.” Most importantly, Sam was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and did his best to share that with his grandsons. There is no doubt that he is smiling down on his loved ones from Heaven—no longer in pain or suffering.
Visitation will be held at Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Friday, Aug. 30, from 5-7 p.m. and The funeral service will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m.