Samuel E. Paddock, 89, a prominent businessman of Beloit and its greater area, transitioned to eternity during the early morning of Feb. 23, 2024, at Beloit Memorial Hospital.
He was born Nov. 21, 1934, in Elkhorn, the son of Laurel and Luna (Foster) Paddock. Sam was the fourth generation to attend the one-room Tibbets School through the eighth grade, graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1952, and continued to study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in economics.
While at the UW-Madison, he joined the Army ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant at the time of his graduation in 1958. He married Judith Smalter on Aug. 17, 1957, in Elkhorn United Methodist Church.
In the banking industry for 35 years, Sam retired as the Executive Vice President of the First National Bank and Trust Company of Beloit, where he served on the Board of Directors.
Sam’s dedication and contribution to the bank were many. One of his major achievements included being instrumental in the planning and development of Financial Centre One, which was completed in 1973. During his employment, Sam served on the Consumer Credit Advisory Board for the American Bankers Association and as President of the Rock County Bankers Association.
Sam was an exemplary role model and was prominent in the industrial, cultural, civic and religious progress of greater Rock County. Over the span of his life, Sam served as president of the Stateline United Givers Fund in 1978, Country Club of Beloit and Cedar Crest Senior Living.
Sam energized his community, serving on the board of directors for BEDCOR, Beloit Community Foundation and Stateline Community Foundation. He was one of the founding directors of the Neighborhood Housing Service of Beloit. Sam was a member with the Citizen’s Advisory Commission of Beloit, Rotary Club of Beloit, served as secretary of Kiwanis Club and served as treasurer of the Rock County American Cancer Society.
A lifelong Methodist, Sam was baptized and confirmed in the church chartered by his forebearers, Bethel United Methodist Church, rural Elkhorn. After moving to Beloit in the summer of 1961, he and his wife Judith became members of the United Methodist Church in downtown Beloit. They were integral in the progress of the church now known as River of Life United Methodist Church.
Sam’s affiliation also involved leadership roles on some the of the denomination’s national and state boards. Sam was recognized as the founding director of the Wisconsin United Methodist Church Foundation, which helped to raise almost $6 million dollars for the Methodist Fund for Discipleship.
Known and respected throughout the area, Sam was dignified, friendly, honest and generous. Some of the organizations that benefited from his generosity included Beloit Symphony Orchestra, Beloit Historical Society, Beloit Memorial Hospital, Chapin Society, and UW Alumni Association.
Sam was an avid Wisconsin Badgers Fan who promoted the Beloit Alumni tailgate that was held for many years at Union South. Sam enjoyed woodworking, gardening, traveling and taking drives with wife, Judy. Sam was a self-described Anglophile, organizing 19 trips to Great Britain for friends and family.
Many people may not have known that Sam frequently exhibited his culinary prowess in the kitchen by cooking holiday dinners, producing wonderful lemon meringue pies and making homemade divinity during the holiday season.
Always supportive and proud of his family, survivors include his wife, Judith, of 67 years; sons, John (Christie) Paddock, Evansville, and James (Jayne) Paddock, Menomonee Falls; grandchildren, Bailee Paddock, Oregon; Breanne Paddock, Milwaukee; Benjamin Hoffman, Milwaukee; Joshua Hoffman, Evansville; Samantha (Justin) St. Peter, Madison; and Charles (Eleanor) Paddock, Mukwonago. Other family members include brothers, Paul (Kathy) Paddock, Shawano; Earl (Susan) Paddock, Elkhorn; sister, Mary Jane Paddock, Sauk City. Other survivors include nieces, nephews and a wealth of lifelong friends.
He was predeceased by his parents.
A funeral service for Sam was held. Daley Murphy Wisch and Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, assisted the family with arrangements. A private interment was held in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Tibbets.
Memorials can be made in Sam’s name to River of Life United Methodist Church, 2345 Prairie Ave Beloit, WI, 53511, or Cedar Crest Foundation, 1702 S. River Rd, Janesville, WI, 53546.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com
