Sam Emmett Christopher, 90, passed away on September 23, 2021.
Born November 27, 1930 in Crossville, Alabama. He was the son of the late Ralph Coleman Christopher and Neile Miller Christopher.
He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne, of 49 years; stepson, Jack Donaldson Massey (Jennifer Ware) of Atlanta, GA; three step-grandchildren, twins, Jack Christopher Massey and Ava Ware Massey, Atlanta, GA, and Mia Tierney Massey of Atlanta, Georgia. Survived by brother, Dr. Neil E. Christopher (Carolyn) of Guntersville, Alabama; nieces, Wendy Christopher Seesock (Lance) of Auburn, Alabama, Laura Christopher Martin (Montgomery) of Memphis, TN; nephews, Ralph Coleman Christopher, III (Sally) of Guin, Alabama; Dr. Richard M Christopher, Jr. (Belinda) of Marianna, Florida; Dr. Neil Edward Christopher, Jr. (Susan) of Estill Springs, TN; Dr. Reid Christopher (Lisa) of Birmingham, Alabama.
After graduating from DeKalb County High School, Ft. Payne, Alabama as Valedictorian of his class in 1948, Sam went to the University of Alabama School of Commerce 1949-1952 where he was very active on campus. He was listed in “Who’s Who Students in American Universities and Colleges”; He was President of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega (ATO); President of Jason’s Honorary Society, Member of Cadets Officers Club, Delta Sigma Pi; member of Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society; Quadrangle Honorary Society Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK).
He served in the Korean War as an Officer and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Sam was a kind, gentle man, and a man of principle. He loved his family and was very much loved as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
After his service to his country, Sam was a partner in the family business (1958), “Ralph Christopher Tractor Company” in Ft. Payne, Alabama for a few years. Then he moved to Nashville, TN. to begin employment at Merrill Lynch Company where he was an account executive for 25 years until his retirement in May 1983. Sam was past President of the Nashville Security Dealers Association, and he served on the Board of the Nashville City Club. He is a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Sam loved golf and is currently a member and past President (1975) of Hillwood Country Club, Nashville, TN; past member of Grandfather Mountain Golf and Country Club, Linville, N.C.; past member and founding member of Ocean Forest Golf Club Sea Island, GA; past member of the Sea Island Club, Sea Island, GA; Sam was a member of Creekwood, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville Symphony, Belmont University, and Denny Society at University of Alabama.
Sam was preceded in death by parents, Ralph Coleman Christopher and Neile Miller Christopher; brothers, Dr. Ralph Coleman Christopher, Jr., Guin, Alabama and Dr. Richard Miller Christopher, Jacksonville, Alabama; nephew, Dr. Douglas Christopher; nieces, Connie Christopher Scollin; Caroline Christopher Bridges.
The family thanks Dr. David Allen, Centennial Hospital ER, and ICU Staff; Alive Hospice for their dedication of care and loving support for my dear Sam.
Graveside service will be in the Chapel Garden at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204 on September 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 222 Belle Meade Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37205 or Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Christopher family.
