Samuel B. Eckhardt

Samuel B. Eckhardt

06/13/2021

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

Psalm 116:15

Samuel B. Eckhardt, age 82 years, five months, and three days, was called home to Jesus on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Born on January 10, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sam grew up in Cape May, New Jersey. After graduating from High School, Sam (then known as “Sandy”) joined the United States Army, serving as an MP in Kaiserslautern, Germany. After his time in the service, he attended Rider University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

The Eckhardt family (Sam, his wife, Betty, and their children, Troy and Tricia) moved from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, to DeLand, Florida, in 1980. In the years that followed, Mr. Eckhardt attended Florida State University, earning his MBA. He went on to work for the State of Florida, Department of Revenue, rising quickly from the position of sales tax auditor to Audit Group Supervisor. Sam later left his employment with the DOR and became an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service. He and Betty formed The Business Tax Institute, where Sam was an accountant and a sales tax audit consultant. Sam never retired and was at his desk early every morning until the day he passed away.

He was an avid reader of historical fiction - especially any works which were of a nautical nature. In his spare time, he loved to travel.

Sam devoted himself to serving others. His early volunteering activities included being a Little League coach, an ROTC Booster President, a Scoutmaster or committee member in the Boy Scouts of America, and a 4-H mentor. He and Betty served together as the Volusia County Fair and Youth Show Creative Arts Department chairs for over 30 years. In more recent years, Sam became actively involved with LifePoint Community Church Revolution Youth, where he was a leader, chaperone, and everyone’s Poppy. Many, many people loved him and still do.

Sam's faith in Jesus and his love for his family were of utmost importance to him, and although his family misses him dearly, they are comforted by the knowledge that he is with the Lord.

Sam leaves behind his wife of 51 ½ years, Betty; children, Troy (Shea), Tricia (Eric), Samuel (Sheri), and Deborah (Jeff); grandchildren, CJ (Emily), Kaj (Lily), Samuel (Kaitlyn), Japheth, Jason, Rachel, Heike, Hannah (Danny), Silas, Katie, and Simon; bonus grandchildren, Jasmine, Noah, and Josh; and brothers and sisters, Marsha Flanagan, Joanna Nightlinger, and Dan Carey.

He is preceded in death by his bonus daughter Jennifer, dear friend Betty Gunter, and grandchildren, Samantha Anne and Elijah “Weeble.”

Services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Lifepoint Community Church, 1747 West New York Avenue DeLand, beginning with a viewing at 9:30 AM with the service starting at 10:00 AM. Arrangements will be handled by Lankford Funeral Home. Flowers and cards are welcomed and appreciated, or donations can be made to Glenwood Community Youth Outreach through Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida in Sam’s memory.