Sammy Lee Andrews, Sr. “Sam” went to be with our Heavenly Father on the evening of Thursday, February 24, 2022.
Sammy was born March 16, 1939, in Decatur, Georgia and joyfully shared a birthday with his son and namesake Sammy Lee Andrews Jr. who was born on his 30th birthday.
Sammy is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judy Andrews; sister Shelby Fargason; daughter, Kim Andrews Lewis; son, Lee Andrews; their spouses, Jim Lewis and Anissa Andrews; and his five grandchildren, Alex, Bailey, Annie, Addison and Walt. Jacob Rose, Cody Bevil, and Ryan Brown joined the family 2.5 years ago, as wonderful grandsons. He is also survived by three very special Nephews, William “Bill”, John, and Robert “Bob” Fargason. Sammy is preceded in death by his parents, Exie and John Andrews.
From an early age, Sam devoted his life to serving others. As a young boy, he worked with his father at their family business repairing and maintaining vehicles. Joining the United States Army in 1960, Sam proudly served his country for 5 years.
In 1961, Sam met the love of his life; Judy Jones, while attending Georgia Southern University as a collegiate gymnast. Together, the two married and built a life upon Christian faith, love, and generosity.
As a Christ-follower, husband, brother, father, uncle, coach, business owner, and friend, Sam continually placed the needs of others before his own. In every facet of life, his leadership was both humble and strong. As a teacher and coach, Sam taught lessons with patience and steadiness, offering reassurance and ease to anyone in his presence.
Within his business, Andrews Financial Services, he set the tone for hard work and integrity. As a member of First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, Sam served as a committed usher and Sunday School leader for many years.
Above all, family remained the greatest priority in his life. Sam would share that his greatest accomplishments in life were his wonderful marriage, two children, and five grandchildren.
His grandchildren remember years of annual trips to the Atlanta Zoo and Georgia Aquarium. With every school event or extracurricular activity, “Daddy Sam” was there in full excitement and pride. Daddy Sam was blessed to recently attend 3 of his granddaughters’ weddings over the span of 2.5 years. He loved sharing his passion for the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs with his son and grandsons. Witnessing the two major victories for both teams in 2022 was a tremendous celebration for Daddy Sam!
Within the final months of Sam’s life on earth, son Lee Andrews took note of each organization that his father faithfully contributed to. He was proud to support St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Veterans and Armed Forces, and his local church of 25 years. Following his retirement, Sam looked forward to his weekly volunteer commitment as a golf cart driver for the guests at Piedmont Fayette Hospital.
Sam touched the lives of those closest to him and those of whom he never met. Before leaving a family function, Sam always gathered his loved ones for a blessing. His prayers were marked with an abundance of gratitude to the Lord and an earnest desire to see others walk in joy.
The family is finding great comfort knowing that their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, lovingly known as Daddy Sam, has entered his eternal rest in Heaven with Jesus. He is now pain free and full of the joy he beautifully radiated while on Earth. To know Sam was to love him deeply, and the people that loved him are better because of the influence he had on each of their lives.
Visitation will be Monday, February 28th from 5-7 pm at Mowell’s Funeral Home 180 North Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214. Service will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:00 AM at North Fayette United Methodist Church, 847 New Hope Road, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. We welcome you to leave your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall. Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com
