Samuel Grady Truitt Sr.

Sam was born on November 14, 1929 and grew up in Oxford, AL. Sam served in the Navy during the Korean War. After his service in the Navy, Sam went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University and his master's degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Sam and his wife, Peggy moved to Deerfield Beach, FL and began a career in education in the late fifties. He worked for Broward County Public Schools until he retired in 1990. Sam taught at Broadview Elementary and Deerfield Beach Elementary prior to becoming an administrator. He was an Assistant Principal at Crystal Lake Middle and at Deerfield Beach Elementary. He then served as the Principal at Harbordale Elementary for 13 years and at Royal Palm Elementary for 5 years. In addition, Sam taught in the Anniston City Schools System in Alabama for a short time during his career in education.

During his tenure with the Broward County Public Schools, Sam was involved with the Elementary Singing Principals, was a member of NASEP and Phi-Delta Kappa; as well as being a former Director of the CTA of Broward County. He also served as a Vice President and President of the PTA at Deerfield Beach Elementary.

Sam was very involved in his church and the community of Deerfield Beach. At First Baptist Church he served as a Deacon, the Superintendent of Sunday School, and active member of the Choir, a member of the Church Brotherhood, and additional committees/ministries at the church. Sam was very instrumental in the Barnabas Missionary House Ministry at First Baptist. As a community member, Sam was involved in the Parks and Recreation Department and volunteered as a Little League coach. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge - Deerfield 325, the American Legion of Broward County, and was a charter member and former director of the Deerfield Beach Jaycees. Sam moved to Dandridge, TN with his wife, Diane, in 2007. He became active in First Baptist Church of Dandridge serving on the Finance Committee.

Spending time with his family and friends was important to Sam. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling.

Sam is survived by his wife, Diane O'Neil Truitt. He is also survived by his children: Samuel G. (Peggy) Truitt, Jr., Melinda (Duane) Watson. He also leaves his grandchildren: Tara (Jimmy) Alm-Bott, Lisa (Jonathan) Plouffe, Zachary Watson, and Tessa Watson. Survivors also include great-grandchildren: Nicholas Alm, Andrew Alm, Elvis Plouffe, Jaxson Bott, and Miles Plouffe. Sam was also fortunate to blend families when he married Diane. Children include: Beth (Bob) King, John (Leslie) O'Neil, Robbie (Amy) O'Neil, Patrick O'Neil. Grandchildren: Frank DeThomas, Shannon O'Neil, Joseph O'Neil, Dane O'Neil. Survivors also include his brother, Dr. William E. (Dottie) Truitt, Sister-in-Law, Janet Morris Smith, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Smith Truitt and his parents: Martin Grady Truitt and Adel Marie Truitt.

Pallbearers will be Zachary Watson, Jonathan Plouffe, Jimmy Bott, Nicholas Alm, Andrew Alm, Joseph O'Neil, Dane O'Neil, John O'Neil, Cleatus Cagle. Honorary Pallbearers are Elvis Plouffe, Jaxson Bott, and Miles Plouffe.

Visitation will be held on April 17, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Church of Deerfield Beach, 701 NE Eller Street, Deerfield Beach, FL with a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 pm. A graveside service will be at City of Deerfield Beach Cemetery, 222 NE 2nd Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL. directly following the service.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The East Tennessee Alzheimer's Association

5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919