Sammy Lee Braylock, age 64, passed away suddenly on July 18. Beloved son of Carrie and the late Eugene Braylock; loving brother of Arthur (deceased), Gregory, Brenda Sheppard, Anita, Lawrence, Derrick Williams and Marcus; loving uncle to “tons” of nieces and nephews. Adored by his grandparents. Sammy was born on August 23, 1955, in Detroit, Mich., and his family moved to the Cleveland area when he was young. He was employed for 23 years at Green Road School in Warrensville Heights as a custodian aide. After that, he worked at Bridges on Aurora Road, where his expertise was buffing floors, which required a lot of physical strength. He helped to train others in the skill as well. Sammy spent his younger years in the Glenville area of Cleveland before going to developmental centers in different part of the state, and finally returning home to Warrensville Developmental Center when it first opened. He was a member of Special Olympics and enjoyed cheering for the local ballplayers at Ellenwood field. He has lived in a group home in Bedford since 1997 and began attending the Bedford Church of the Nazarene shortly after arriving in his new home. He was often the first member of the church at the door on Sunday mornings. While living in Bedford, each year Sammy would travel to visit his brother Gregg in Phoenix, Arizona, at Christmas, which was one of the highlights of his year. He was particularly fond of playing with Gregg’s cockapoo, Susie. Sammy loved to see others happy and to make people happy. Sammy was a beloved member of the Bedford community, waving, smiling and talking with passersby on Center Road where he lived. He was easily recognizable with his cheerful attire, and he was also known to change his outfits depending on the holiday. He especially enjoyed attending downtown festivals in the summer. His family would like to thank the community of Bedford for embracing him, particularly the employees at Burger King, where Sammy was a regular, as well as members of the Police and Fire Departments, where Sammy visited, and the workers at City Hall and the Recreation Center. Sammy’s family said they always felt that he was safe living his life in Bedford. A special thanks also is given to Pastor Mike Dennis at the Bedford Church of the Nazarene. Viewing is schedule for Friday, July 24 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bedford Church of the Nazarene at 365 Center Road. They will be following the CDC guidelines of using face masks and social distancing. There will be a celebration of Sammy’s life and legacy, his “retirement party” starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday on the church grounds. For more information, see the Bedford Church of the Nazarene page. Burial will be in Cleveland Memorial Gardens Cemetery.