Samuel Gregory Staten

Reverend Samuel Gregory Staten was called home on June 23, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 72. Born in the Woodland community of Walnut Grove, near Carthage, Texas, he was the son of Reverend Alton B. Staten Sr. and Haru Staten, and the last of eight siblings to be received into glory.

A minister, a musician, and a lifelong creative — known to those closest to him as Greg or Black Gold — he was among the founding members of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, serving for decades as a drummer alongside his sister, Pastor Patrinell "Pat" Wright. In his later years he was a faithful presence at People's Institutional Baptist Church in Seattle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all seven of his siblings.

He is survived by his daughter, Candace Connor; his granddaughter, Camryn McCray; and his grandson, Lucas Connor.

He lived in the Word, spoke through the music, and loved deeply in his own way.

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