Samuel Dennison Gaynor, also known to his family and friends as "Sonny," was born on January 5, 1933 in Rockford, Illinois to Isaiah and Lucille Gaynor. Sam spent his childhood growing up on Rockford's Southwest side where he attended school and became a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church.  He graduated from West High School in 1950 and from Fayetteville State Teacher's College, (now Fayetteville State University), in 1954. While there he pledged the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.

From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army as part of the Judge Advocate General Corps (J.A.G), at Fort Lesley J McNair, Washington, D.C.

Sam spent a short time teaching in North Carolina, then returned to Rockford in 1957, hoping to continue his career in education.  He attempted to get a teaching position, but unfortunately, the Rockford Public School District was not hiring Black male teachers at that time. Encouraged by his wife, Sam applied for a position with the Rockford Police Department; he successfully passed all required tests and was sworn in on June 2, 1958.

During his tenure on the force, Sam broke racial barriers by becoming the first African American to hold the ranking positions of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and finally, Deputy Chief of Operations. He graduated from the Traffic Institute at Northwestern University and did further study at the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston College. After serving 35 years on the Rockford Police Department, he retired in 1993. During his tenure with the Police Department, Sam was a member of the following Boards of Directors: Rosecrance, Family Advocate, Inc.; Red Cross, Youth Services Network, and Janet Wattles. He continued to serve on several law enforcement-related advisory boards for the RPD.

Sam was a faithful member of Pilgrim and a deacon for 40+ years who served 4 full-time pastors and several interim ones. In 1960, on an official motorcycle, he led the membership to its new (current) location. Later, as Chairman of the Deacon Board, he provided steady guidance through new administrations, repairs and renovations.

After retirement, Sam returned to the profession of teaching as a substitute in the Rockford Public School District because he felt that his presence as a Black male educator could positively influence young people. He intentionally took assignments at nearby elementary and middle schools, including Lathrop, Ellis, Lewis Lemon, King, Kishwaukee, Lincoln, and Flynn.

His intelligence, humor, and sharp memory insured him of success in all endeavors.  As on his job, Sam gained the respect of others for his leadership, fairness, and devotion to his family, friends, church, and city.

Sam married the former Carol Jean Gerald on May 31, 1955. They were married for 59 years. and had 3 beloved children, Rodney Sr, M'Karyl, and DeAnna. "PawPaw" leaves his legacy of love and service to 4 grandchildren - Rodney Jr, Nicolas (Miki), Samantha, and Erica; and 7 great-grandchildren - Rylan, Kinsley, Rockwell, Deamaree, Deamai, Dejuan, and Assad. He also leaves to mourn his passing, stepbrothers-Donald and Charles Hicks; nieces-Cynthia, Victoria, Rhonda and Vivian Gaynor; a nephew, Ronald Gaynor Jr; sister-in-law Margaret (Melvin) Barbee; brother-in-law, Milton (Veleria) Gerald; goddaughters-Beverly Alexander, Veronica Anthony, Diedre Harvey and Tracena Simpson; and godson, Forest Price, Jr. Special friends to Sam were Ben Newson Sr, and Odell Simpson. In addition to his parents, Sam is pre-deceased by his wife Jeannie, and 2 brothers, Ronald and Darryl Gaynor.

Sam led a full and accomplished life of service to God, his family, church, and community.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022 at Pilgrim Baptist Church 1703 S. Central Ave. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.