Mr. Samuel (Sammy) Kowyan Harris passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the age of 81. He was
born in Crossville, Alabama, on April 11, 1942; graduated from Crossville High School in 1960; and
honorably served in the United States Army as an aircraft engine mechanic until 1963. He married Pam
L. Guest of Geraldine in 1962, and following his military service, they moved to Auburn, Alabama.
Sammy received his BS degree in agricultural education from Auburn University in 1967, and received
his Masters degree in education in 1971.
Sammy taught vocational agriculture at Dadeville High School from 1967 until 1970, and was then
employed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, retiring in 1995 as the District
Conservationist for Madison County. Following his retirement, he worked for the Cullman County Soil
and Water Conservation District until 2006.
Sammy and Pam recently celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary in December of 2022. He was a
resident of Guntersville, Alabama, for 44 years and enjoyed lake living, bird watching, gardening, and
deer hunting. His love and devotion to the Lord and to his family were the driving forces in his life. He is
known for his big smile, hearty laugh, and ability to make all who knew him feel special and loved.
Sammy is survived by his loving wife Pam and their two daughters Amy Sauls (Josh) and Jessica Mitchell
(Tim), as well as their four grandchildren Lydia Brewster (Grady), Jacob Sauls, Jenna Mitchell, and Harris
Mitchell. He is also survived by his brother Johnny Harris and sisters Dean Simpson, Dortha Massey, and
Jane Lindsey.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dilcie Harris, brother R.P. Harris, and sisters Lenoite
White, Euthema Whitten, Sue Frost, and Veneal Hubbard.
A memorial service will be held at Guntersville Memorial Chapel on Friday, July 21, at 3:00 p.m. followed
by burial at Dekalb Memorial Gardens in Geraldine. Pallbearers are Harris Mitchell, Jacob Sauls, Danny
White, Carey Harris, Bill Riner, George Politakis, Greg Perry, and Daniel Allen.
The family has chosen the Lottie Moon Offering for foreign missions through First Baptist Church
Guntersville for anyone who wishes to make a donation in remembrance of Sammy.
