Johnny Sam Taormina

Johnny Sam Taormina, age 72, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away at UAB hospital from complications of triple bypass surgery Wednesday July 22, 2020. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Memory Chapel, Tuscaloosa, AL. Visitation is Sunday from 6 PM until 8 PM. The funeral will be held Monday at 11 A.M. at Memory Chapel on Skyland Boulevard, Rev. Glen Holeman officiating. Immediately following the funeral service there will be a short “Celebration of Sam” reception held at Memory Chapel reception area. All friends and family are invited to join us as we celebrate the life of this wonderful man.

Burial will be in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Al. DUE TO COVID 19, CEMETERY REGULATIONS REQUIRE THAT ONLY 10 immediate family members may attend the burial, and this is strictly enforced.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Chapter 1 Disabled Veterans (448 65th St. Tuscaloosa, Ala 35405).

Sam was preceded in death by his parents John Paul and Betty Jean Taormina and brother, Jimmy Taormina. He is survived by his wife Paula Hayes Taormina, daughter Andrea Claire, son Samuel Stuart( Shannon), 1 brother, John Paul Taormina Jr. (Marilyn), sister-in-law, Diane Taormina, granddaughters, Lexi Taormina and Olivia Taormina and step-granddaughters Alexandria., Gabrielle, & Isabella James.

Born on September 6, 1947 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sam moved to Alabama in his early childhood. He graduated from Bibb County High School and spent three years in the Marine Corps(13 months in Vietnam). He was married 49 years to his best friend Paula. Sam worked at BF Goodrich from 1981-2005. He volunteered for DAV and V A for 14 years.

Pallbearers are Nelson Ortiz/ Randy Sexton/ Jimmy Hildreth/Alvin Miller/James Kirby/

Andy Hadu/ Bill Feeley/Dan Butler/ and Doug Taylor.

Honorary pallbearers are:

Paul John Taormina III

Raymond Taormina / Greg Taormina /

Rafe Huey/ Lane Morrison / Justin Carroll/

Roger Odom/Jerry Odom/Jeremy Beck/Joey Hayes

Arthur Eagen /Members of Chapter 1 DAV/ Members of Indian Creek Hunting Club /Members of White Creek Hunting Club.

Sam was a wonderful man that loved his God, his family, and his country. He was as authentic as anyone you would ever hope to meet. He had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. There is nothing that he would not do to help someone. Sam was a man of his word, compassionate, caring and completely selfless. His friends easily outnumbered his enemies 100 to 1, if he even had one. Sam was never one to brag on himself or look for glory, although he deserved it many times over. Most people never knew that Sam received a Presidential Award for Bravery and Service while in the Marine Corps and three purple hearts while serving in Vietnam.

He was witty, sometimes absolutely hilarious. He was loved by so many and NEVER wanted praise or accolades. His love for his family, friends, his Savior and his country was genuine. Sam was a simple man, not mentally, but in the things that he sought for himself. He was “one of a kind”, irreplaceable, and is going to be sorely missed. REST IN PEACE SAM.

YOU EARNED YOUR ANGEL WINGS MANY TIMES OVER IN THIS LIFE