Sam was born March 22, 1993, in San Francisco, California to parents Michael A. and Toby R. Johnson. He graduated from South Decatur High School in 2011.
After High school, he attended Vincennes University, Ivy Tech and IUPUC, but his heart was always in music. Sam was a talented musician and he and his close friends formed a band called "The Rebellion" where Sam played bass guitar. During their time together, the band was blessed with the opportunity to play on the local radio station, KORN Country, and also competed in Battle of the Bands at 8 Second Saloon. It was during his time with "The Rebellion" that Sam discovered his natural gift and true passion for songwriting. He had a deep desire to accomplish big things, so with the blessing and support of his bandmates and family, he left Indiana behind and followed his dreams all the way to Nashville, TN.
It wasn't long before Sam's talent began turning heads on Music Row in Nashville. He thrived in the country music scene and made a name for himself almost immediately. He went on several tours as the opening act for well-known country music artists, and co-wrote a few songs that were later released on major music platforms. Most recently, he was touring with Drew Green as the merchandise manager and was in the process of signing with a major record label himself as a songwriter.
Sam had a genuine heart and a selfless soul. He consistently put others before himself and went to great lengths to help people simply because they needed it.
He was a friend to everyone, and always ready to give his infamous bear hugs. As one of his close friends said, "If you knew Sam, you loved him, and he loved you."
Sam is survived by his parents, Michael A. Johnson and Toby R. Johnson (John Brown); his brother, Allan "A.J." Johnson; his sister, Brittany R. Jaynes (Tyler); his nieces who were the light of his life, Bridgette and Claire Jaynes; Uncle Blake and Aunt Beth Fuller, close cousins, Evan, Addie, and Hannah Fuller; Uncle Rhett and Aunt Sharmila Fuller, close cousins Rijel and Arjen Fuller; and along with several others and countless friends he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Allan and Berniece Johnson; his maternal grandparents, Dr. Robert G. and Bonnie R. Fuller; and his uncle, Ronnie Johnson.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Sam's life on Wednesday, July 26 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Myers-Reed Chapel, 3729 25th Street, Columbus, Indiana. A small service will be held at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Epilepsy Foundation in his memory.
Sam undoubtedly left his mark in this world, and he will be deeply missed by everyone that was blessed to know him.
