NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — He was a street evangelist like no other, but to those along Canal Street, Reverend Keith Sam was known as the “Umbrella man.”
“A man of god, somebody whose total soul is preaching and teaching the gospel,” said his sister Yvette Sam.
Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer last November. His sister said during his time in the hospital, the visits and inspirational messages kept him going.
“I think that was a very important time in his life to see how happy he was and how he was continuing to share the word for god even on his sick bed. He has a couple of people’s lives he impacted,” said Yvette.
Sincere, dedicated and humble is how a close friend said she will always remember him.
“He was always sincere to the word. He was always dedicated to the word, the work, the walk, and the wisdom of Jesus Christ. His humility, the last thing he told me was to keep the faith and study the word,” said Queen Andaiye Alimayu.
After traveling the world for more than forty years, Keith came home to New Orleans where it all began for him.
His sister remembers their last conversation before he died.
“He had his eyes closed and I said why are you closing your eyes? He said ‘I’m talking to the lord’ and he said, ‘I’ll be with you always’ and so that makes me so happy,” said Yvette.
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