Samuel D. "Sam" Land III

Samuel D. “Sam” Land III, of Chattanooga, TN, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Born February 28, 1963 in Chattanooga, TN, survivors include his wife of 28 years, Melissa A. Land; daughter, Sarah E. Land; parents Samuel D. Land, Jr. and Louise Land of Rossville, GA; brother, Joseph “Joe” Land, Rossville, GA; sister and brother–in-law, Evelyn and Jack Citty; sister, Lisa Morris, both of East Ridge, TN; his in-Laws and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survived him.

He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a BS in Accounting and a MBA. He currently worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield. He previously worked for TVA, Unum Provident & Kmart. He is a member of Silverdale Baptist Church.

Besides spending time with his family, Sam was an avid outdoorsman. He started out cycling and a friend talked him into doing a half marathon in Disney. That was the start of his love for running. When Ironman came to Chattanooga, he volunteered the first year and was so inspired that he signed up to do the 70.3& 140.6 without knowing how to swim. He finished and medaled in both races and many more local cycling, running and triathlon events including Ragnar road relays and trail runs. He is a member of the Chattanooga Tri Club, Marathon Maniacs & USA Triathlons.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the East Brainerd Chapel with Rev. Chuck Patrick officiating. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, South. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road.