ForeverMissed
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Memorial service: Friday, April 16, 2021 at 2:45pm, Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115. 

Obituary

Sam Paul Simone Jr. passed away bravely on April 9, 2021, after a 14-year battle with cancer.

Sam lived a rich life full of unique experiences. He was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Sarah Josephine and Sam Paul Simone. Growing up, Sam lived each school year in New York City, while summers were spent on his grandparents’ farm in Hinesville, Georgia. Times on the farm were filled with many happy memories. It was there that Sam learned the treasured art of storytelling from his grandfather. This was a gift Sam would use for the rest of his life to entertain, delight, and often teach those with a listening ear.

Sam greatly valued education and learning. Throughout his life, it was at the heart of everything he pursued. He sought out his own formal education, gaining first an undergraduate degree from Dakota Wesleyan University and later, a Ph.D. in Theater and Cinematic Arts from Brigham Young University. Sam served years as a professor, concluding his teaching at the University of Montevallo, a major highlight of his career. As an avid writer, Sam worked hard to help his students excel at writing. He spent many hours showing them how to improve their skills.

Teaching was just one of the many contributions Sam made to the world. He enlisted in the United States Navy. He chose to train as an Aviation Medical Technician and served as a corpsman on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam war. Sam chose to reenlist and was assigned as medical support to a Marine unit in Japan. Sam continued his military career by serving in the Army Reserves.

During his time in the Navy, Sam chose to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a decision that changed his life for the better. He cherished his membership and shared his love of the gospel at every possible opportunity.

As a graduate student at Brigham Young University, Sam met his future wife, Linda. They were married in the Provo Temple in the summer of 1978. Sam and Linda’s relationship was filled not only with love but also much creativity. They spent hours talking about the screenplays Sam was writing, even collaborating on a novel. Linda was often Sam’s right-hand woman as she edited his work. They were married for 42 years.

Sam is survived by Linda, their three children and three grandchildren, as well as his older brother and younger sister. Sam will long be remembered by those who knew and loved him well. Each day, he determined to follow the example set by Jesus Christ in serving others. At his core, Sam had a giver’s heart and did not hesitate to reach out and help those in need. Sam’s legacy of love and service can be honored by our treating others as he would have done.

Sam lived a happy and productive life, overcoming many obstacles. He will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery on April 16, 2021, where he will be honored by the United States Navy.

To continue Sam’s legacy of caring for others, family members and friends are encouraged to support Stand Up to Cancer, where 100% of donations from the public support cancer research.


Professional services provided by W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory, Birmingham, Alabama.

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