Samuel Spradley
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Samuel (Sam) Dennis Spradley, age 60, of Rome, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at his residence. Sam was born on Sept. 27, 1960, in Floyd County, Georgia to Mrs. Jewell Dean Avery Beard. He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Kathy Denise Spradley.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Judy K. Spradley; his mother, Mrs. Jewell Dean Avery Beard; sisters, Pam S. Hamilton, and Tammy S. Childers (Barry). He was "Uncle Sam" to nieces, Allison C. Jemo (Keith) and Abigail Childers; and his nephew, Josh Childers (Miranda). He was "Great Uncle Sam" to nieces, Annabelle, Avery, and Eliza.
Sam is also survived by four sisters-in-law, on his wife's side of the family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Sam attended East Rome High School and graduated from Coosa High School. He later enrolled in Georgia Northwestern Technical College and acquired Technical Certification in Commercial Wiring.
Sam encountered numerous obstacles in his life. His strong will (and a touch of stubbornness) enabled him to overcome these challenges and build the life for himself he genuinely wanted?which was to spend quality time with the family he so dearly loved.
He and his wife, Judy, created a life-long partnership. Their "children" became the many abandoned animals they cared for when others would not. They had a language between themselves that only they understood. It was the foundation of their many years of marriage and their way of loving and supporting one another. On weekends, they often enjoyed getting in their car and taking what they called their "road trips" to nearby outdoor locations to enjoy nature and have time to themselves.
Sam's love for his mom was a special love that only a son can give. He visited his mom every day?often, several times a day. He thoroughly enjoyed long conversations with her. The topics of their conversations ranged from farming practices and the global environment to world politics. They also enjoyed reminiscing about years gone by and the interesting adventures that only the two of them shared with one another. Sam delighted in talking about how he "demanded" mom take him camping when he was only 5 years old. Mom, a single parent and raising three children, had no means to properly take her 5 years-old son camping. So, she improvised by taking Sam "camping" in the back of the old family station wagon which never left the driveway. Late one evening, she put the two of them in the back of the station wagon with a blanket and pillows until he fell asleep. She then promptly returned him to the house. It was several more years before he learned how unique a camping experience, she created for him.
Sam called his mom every morning and often called her late in the evening?just to remind her to go outside and look at a beautiful sunset. He was particularly proud of the iPad he and Judy gave to her which she quickly mastered. It allowed her to FaceTime with her grandchildren and watch the Berry eagles. It is a much-loved treasure and was especially so throughout the pandemic.
Sam had a quick wit and was a prankster. Being the fourth child (the baby), and the only son, he delighted in lovingly aggravating his older sisters?regardless of their ages. He often teased them by saying he was the "best one" of the "Pam, Tam, Sam" trio. They will forever miss hearing him refer to them as "Big Sis" and "Little Sis."
Sam had a deep interest in many subjects and educated himself on a variety of topics. He often surprised others with his depth of knowledge?ranging from how to repair farm equipment to international politics and the global environmental crisis.
Sam passionately loved animals. He and Judy had pets of their own, but also took care of many abandoned animals left along the roadway. When a mother skunk and babies took up residence outside his mom's house, Sam carefully devised a skunk-relocation plan and made sure no skunks were harmed in the process. He even created his own "skunk proof" attire using an old shower curtain, garbage bags, gloves, and goggles. Sam could be highly creative and entertaining.
Sam was a unique person and is deeply loved by his family. Those who were fortunate enough to have received his love, are truly blessed to have had a forever friend.
As per Sam's wishes, he will be cremated. There will be a private gathering for the immediate family later.
Sam would want those wishing to honor his life to be kind to one another and consider donating to the following charities: St. Jude's Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or P.A.W.S., 99 North Ave NE, Rome, GA 30161, or the Family Resource Center, PO Box 168, Rome, GA 30162.
Henderson & Sons North Chapel makes this announcement for the family.