Sammy Clayton Broad

After a long battle with various health problems, Sammy C. Broad passed away on June 12, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. We find it fitting that he passed away on Sunday, right on time for church in heaven, listening to the best sermon he’s ever heard. Sam was a beloved Christian husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He was born on December 14, 1942, the son of the late George Calip and Azilee Benton Broad and raised in Orangeburg, SC. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy, sons Richard and Tad (and Robin), daughter Tracy Heldreth (and Jud), and 9 grandchildren: Maddie, Carter, Caleb, Sammy, Perri, Janie, Abbey, Dori and Lane, to whom he was lovingly known as “Poppy”. He is also survived by his brother, Lt. Col. Paul T. Broad (Becky) of Griffin, GA, sister, Debby Frazier of Rodgersville, TN, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Wilma Jackson and Carol Broad, and brothers, Reverend Boyd “Buddy” Broad and Jimmy Broad.

Sam was married to his loving wife, Sandy, for 58 wonderful years. They met in high school and were lifeguards together at the Edisto River. She was the love of his life and he reminded us all often that she was “out of his league.” His love and devotion to her stood as an invaluable example of a Christian husband and a beautiful marriage.

Sam graduated from Orangeburg High School in 1962 where he participated in track, cross- country and football, and drove the school bus when he wasn’t lifeguarding. He started college at The University of South Carolina, but quit to start working in order to help Sandy finish her college degree. He was employed by Fairmont Tamper for 33 years and then worked for Epting Distributors in the purchasing department for six years.

A faithful Christian servant, Sam has been a member of Dutch Fork Baptist Church for over 50 years. He taught Sunday School for over 40 years and served as a deacon and a trustee. He also spent many years volunteering his time to cut grass and keeping the church grounds well maintained.

Sam was a friend to all he met, with a kind spirit and gentleness that was extended to everyone. “Poppy” adored his grandchildren, whom he was fiercely proud of, and would tell anyone who would listen. His special group of friends were his steadfast supporters who went to church together, raised their children together, took fun trips, and have weathered life’s storms together for over 50 years. He loved them all dearly.

Always an outdoorsman, Sam loved all of God’s creation and often shared his knowledge of plants and animals, especially turtles. In his early years, Sam enjoyed life guarding, running, boating, teaching his kids to water ski, gardening, photography and family trips to the mountains and beach. He had a special knack for fixing most anything, and could keep things running long after they should have expired. He took up scuba diving and found some amazing sharks teeth, including a Megalodon tooth, in the black waters of the Edisto River.

In his later years, he loved jigsaw puzzles, listening to hymns, all the family gatherings, and spending time on his beautiful back porch with Sandy. You were likely to find him sitting in his faithful recliner watching the birds, or filling up the birdfeeder, or reminding Mimi to. He had a deep love for The Bible, daily routines, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He appreciated the simple joys of life around him, all the little things, which he knew were the Big things, and reminded us to take on life, “little by little.” His life was full and beautiful, just like his heart.

Well done my good and faithful servant.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 in Dutch Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made through donations to Dutch Fork Baptist Church or your church or charity of choice in Sam’s memory.