Sam was born in Chattanooga, on August 15, 1949, to the late Dr. John Jacob and Mrs. Martha Lillian Killeffer.
Sam attended McCallie School and graduated from Staunton Military Academy. He attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on a swimming scholarship. Sam was drafted during the Vietnam War and chose to serve as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed his basic training and was awarded as Honorman among all the 250 graduating recruits in the 1205 Series of Company “C." He was an expert marksman. Sam was deployed to Vietnam and returned to coach a swim team. After several rewarding years coaching, Sam had a career as a general contractor and later enjoyed real estate sales and various other sales positions.
Sam cherished life with family and friends. He loved making others smile, and the time he spent with his grandchildren was in pure joy and filled with nonstop laughter. He was known as “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf, fishing and being on his boat.
Mr. Killeffer is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Killeffer Anderson (John); grandsons, William Samuel Anderson, James Grant Anderson and John David Anderson; granddaughter, Libbey Kate Anderson; sister, Rosemary Dunbar (Jim); brother, John Killeffer (Anita); sister, Martha Killeffer; nieces, Missy Weiner (Alan) and Cowen Harter (Biff); nephews, Jock Dunbar (Megan), William Killeffer, David Killeffer and Richard Killeffer along with seven grandnieces and nephews.
Visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, March 13th, from 4-7 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel (5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343).
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 14th, at 1p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery (1200 Bailey Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37404) with Pastor Tony Wilson officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
