Samuel A. Dickens, Sr., 87, of Alexandria, VA, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Halquist Memorial Hospice Inpatient Center in Alexandria.

He was the son of the late Calvin and Naomi Dickens of North Carolina and the youngest of seven children, all predeceased him.

After graduating from Aurelian Springs High School in Littleton in 1945, he moved to Washington, DC and started his printing career at Doyle Printing and Cavalier Press. In 1963, he founded Suburban Printing Service in Alexandria. He was Prisident/Owner for 44 years, receiving an outstanding service award from the leadership business council of the Campagna Center and the Gutenburg Award for graphic art excellence. He received an honorary membership by the Board of Lady Managers of the Alexandria Hospital for his many years of service and support.

He was a member of the Mt. Vernon Lions Club, a supporter of the Retired Police and Fireman’s Association, a recipient of a life membership award of the Friendship of Veterans Fire Engine Company 1778 of Alexandria. He served as director of Masons-Sur-Mer in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Sam was an active dedicated member of Baptist Temple Church for over 60 years, serving as a deacon, treasurer, and in many other capacities. In his earlier years, he enjoyed being a member of the Baptist Temple softball team.

Sam touched so many lives in a positive way with his strong work ethic, his kind words, his gentle smile, his happy demeanor and his motivating phrases of insight. He had no enemies, he loved people and people loved him.

Sam is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ella Davis ''Helen'' Dickens; his son, Samuel A. Dickens, Jr. of Alexandria; his daughter, Deborah Dickens Dannenberg and her husband, Frederick, of New York, NY; two grandsons and four great grand children; his sister-in-law Eunice ''Snapper'' Bradley and her husband, Calvin ''Mack'' Bradley of Roanoke Rapids; his six nieces, Mary Sue Capps, Marsha Dyott, Patty Jenkins, Connie Smith, Jeannie Stegall, and Pam Warren; five nephews David Dickens, Harvey Dickens, Ronnie Dickens, Wayman ''Boots'' Dickens, and Edward Jenkins.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 7, 2014 from 4-6:00 p.m. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids.

Along with flowers, donations may be made in the name of Samuel A. Dickens to the Halquist Memorial Hospice Center or the Board of Lady Mangers of Alexandria Hospital.