Samuel Drue Aikin

Samuel Aikin passed away on Wednesday September 11, 2024 at home in Marietta, GA. Samuel was the third son of Travis and Gladys Aikin of Texarkana, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in Commerce. Samuel moved to Portland, Oregon and attended Oregon State University and achieved an MBA degree from the University of Portland. Samuel started his career working in the State of Oregon’s Executive Budget Division and on the staff of a Portland, Oregon City Commissioner. Samuel was appointed to a state board by the Governor of Oregon (Bob Straub). Samuel joined IBM in 1981 in Portland, Oregon working as a Large Systems Engineer, software sales and manager, retiring in 2018. Samuel met his wife Marline in 1986, who was also employed at IBM, at the Colony Square building in downtown Atlanta. It was love at first sight. They married in 1988 and sojourned to Dallas and Ft. Lauderdale, returning to Atlanta twice during their IBM careers (Marline 33 years and Samuel 37 years). They gave birth to a son (Drue) in 1994 while in Atlanta. Marline and Samuel attributed the success of their marriage to their Christian faith. Samuel’s life was guided by his Christian faith and he worked toward fulfilling the demands placed on all Christian denoted in Matthew 25:31- 46. Samuel was a servant and involved himself in many Christian enterprises. Samuel was a Deacon overseeing the Haiti Mission at the East Cobb Church of Christ, traveling to Haiti on several occasions. Samuel’s faith led him to securing funding to build an orphanage in Ranquitte, Haiti which today houses 57 orphans. He also secured funding and support as he led a major initiative to ship items to Haiti during the 2010 earthquake. Samuel attended a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend and began participating in the Kairos Prison Ministry, leading a team of men in conducting a Kairos weekend inside of Phillips State Prison in Buford, GA. Samuel participated in Bible Study Fellowship International for 20+ years. Samuel participated in the Seven Bridges Ministry to help rescue brothers and sisters off the streets. After retirement, Samuel accepted the role of an Elder at the East Cobb Church of Christ and was involved in the process of searching for a new senior minister. Samuel was actively involved in the community during his travels with IBM. Samuel served on he Board of Directors for the Urban League, Cities and Schools and Winterfest in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Samuel was elected to the City Council of Adair Village, Oregon. Samuel served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA in Portland, Oregon. Samuel served on the Homeowners Association board for the Inverness subdivision in Roswell, GA. Samuel and his wife Marline traveled the world extensively. He enjoyed gardening and fishing in Canada with his brother, Lewis. Samuel kept in great shape by working out at the gym and walking several times each week. Samuel was dearly loved and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Marline; son, Drue (Olivia); and brother, Lewis (Lera) and sister-in-law, Shirley (Travis). He was preceded in death by his father, Travis Sr; mother, Gladys and brothers, Travis Jr. and Reuben. The Celebration Of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at East Cobb Church of Christ. 5240 Roswell Rd. Marietta, Ga. 30062. Rather than sending flowers, please direct your support to Samuel’s favorite ministries: Please make checks payable to: Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. Kairos of Georgia State Treasurer P.O. Box 5743 Forsyth, GA 31029 Phone 478.719.0734 Please make checks payable to East Cobb Church of Christ, in memo, please write Haiti Mission East Cobb Church of Christ Haiti Mission Donation 5240 Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30062 770-587-5999 If your gift is in memory of or honor of someone, please include the name of the person you are honoring and the name and address of the person to be notified of

Tributes

Samuel Drue Aikin

October 31, 1948 - September 11, 2024