Samuel D. Ackley

Samuel D. Ackley, 84, of Frankfort, died at 1:32 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2023 at his home. He was born in Frankfort, the son of the late Harold W. Ackley and Marie Ellen Willis. Sam was preceded in death by his father and stepmother Nellie E. Ackley. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Howard and Eva Ackley.

Sam married the former Margaret Mae "Maggie" Bower on July 27, 1957. Sam and Maggie are the proud parents of four children: Rob (Cheryl) Ackley of Chillicothe, Sheryl Lynn Ackley of Galloway, Scott (Brandi) Ackley of Sedalia and Neil (Bryan) Ackley of Los Angeles, CA. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren; Kyle, Julienne, Cory, Taite, Michelle, Paige, Layton, Aryn, ten great grandchildren; Andrew, Sophia, Jocelyn, Paisley, Mya, Jace, Ava, Madison, Austin, Charlie and two to add in 2024.

Sam is also survived by one sister, Jenny (Tim) Howland and one brother, Tom (Kathy) Ackley all of Greenfield, three sisters-in-law; Frances Counts, June (Kelvin) Putnam of Frankfort, Linda (Jim) Johnson of Douglasville, GA, two brothers-in-law; Ben (Liann) Bower of Moscow, FL and Charlie (Tami) Bower of Xenia. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, friends and a special friend, Evie Snyder. He was preceded in death by one sister, Linda (Frank) Brown, one sister-in-law, Jo Anne (Bob) Schmauss and two brother-in-laws, Harry Lee (Patty) Bower and John Counts.

He was a 1957 graduate of Frankfort High School where he received the All Mid State League in Football. On August 8, 1957, Sam entered the United States Air Force where he was trained as a Sentry Dog handler. Following his discharge from the United States Air Force, Sam joined the work force at the Mead Paper Company where he retired in 2000. Following his retirement from Mead, Sam worked for several other companies. During this time, he also served as Mayor of Frankfort. Sam was a Dedicated Reds fan and an OSU Buckeye fan. As a Buckeye fan, he loved the time he spent at the "Shoe" as an usher, working along side his two sons and his daughter-in-law.

Sam was a proud member of the Joseph Ellsworth White Post 483 - American Legion where he faithfully served on the Funeral Honor Guard and presented military honors to many friends and comrades. He was also a part of the Sons of the American Legion in Frankfort. He was a member of the Frankfort Lodge 309 - Free and Accepted Masons and many of the Masonic bodies. He was a founding member of the Frankfort Historical Society and was a member of United Steel Workers Local 731.

To Sam, it was family first, honest work and love.

In keeping with Sam's wishes, cremation will take place. Family and friends may call on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the EBRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, Frankfort. On Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at 10:30 am, family and friends are asked to attend the burial of the cremains in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort. Military honors will be accorded by the Ross County Honor Guard and the US Air Force. Following the service, Sam will be laid to rest with his grandparents, Howard and Eva Ackley. There will be a time of food, fellowship and the sharing of memories after the service at the Frankfort Masonic Lodge. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Frankfort American Legion to further support the Legion that Sam loved.