Sammie Childree

Sammie Childree, 80, passed away on April 25, 2022, at Emory Mid Town in Atlanta with family by his side.

Sam was born February 4, 1942, in Montezumn, Georgia, to Benjamin Franklin Childree and Lois Marie Childree.

Sam was an avid reader and loved fishing and camping and would be at any creek, lake, or ocean he could find hoping to catch the big one.

In 1960, Sam graduated from Gilmer High School in Ellijay, Georgia, and joined the United States Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, until being honorably discharged on October 2, 1967. After serving in the military, Sam moved to Atlanta and was employed by Bell South as a lineman and later moved into a management position. After 30+ years he retired in 2000.

On October 22, 1967, Sam married Josephine Higgins. Later moving to Buford, Georgia, where they spent many hours on the lake.

Sam is pre-deceased by his parents, his sister Margie Ann Smith, brother-in-laws Charles Morris, Charles C. Smith, and uncle Lee Eldridge DeFoe.

Sam is survived by his wife Josephine Childree, Virginia Fay Shedd (sister) of Bremen, Georgia, Willa Diane Redmond (sister) of Port St. Joe, Florida, Barbara Morris (sister-in-law) of Birmingham, Alabama, and his children Sonya Marie Childree of Mobile, Alabama, Steven Christopher Childree of Buford, Georgia, Connie Lynn Sonnenberg of Belt, Montana, Jessica Koterba of Hobson, Montana, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Sam will be remembered for his williness to help others whenever possible, his calm and gentle spirit, and his love for animals.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 – 1:00PM on Saturday, May 14, 2022 with a memorial service to follow at 1:00PM at Flanigan Funeral Home, 4400 South Lee Street Buford, GA 30518.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the heart association.