Sammie Lee Gladden was born and raised in Rockhill, South Carolina, to Sammie Gladden and Meredith Gladden.

He married Bonnie Gladden on April 20, 1973, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sammie drove for a top trucking company for 28 years under NFI Industries. He was strongly involved in his church and community; as well as, played a big roll in his family's life. 

Sammie is survived by wife, Bonnie Gladden; children, Michael Gladden, Vincent Caldwell, Charles Caldwell, Samantha Gladden; grandchildren, Stephon Caldwell, Brandon Halls, Sammie Gladden, Regina Calwell, Elizabeth Halls, Tottiyana Gladden, and Jordan Gladden; great-grandchildren, Micaiah Halls, Kamil Halls, Kai Caldwell, and Jassmine Taylor.