Samuel Moore Shute Jr.

Samuel "Sam" M. Shute Jr. age 83 of Northport, Alabama passed away on February 12, 2026 at home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Ray Hallman officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Sam was preceded in death by his son, Glenn P. Shute; parents, Sam and Mildred Shute; brother, Dean Shute; sisters, Ann Beeson, Martha Shirley.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Boyd Shute; nieces and nephews.

Sam Shute, 83, passed away on February 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service and dedication. Sam was married to his beloved wife, Barbara, for 58 wonderful years. Together they shared a life full of love, laughter and adventure. They especially enjoyed traveling and doing everything side by side, truly partners in every sense of the word.

Sam proudly served in The United States military for 26 years as a helicopter pilot. He flew Huey helicopters and served in Vietnam from 1968-1969. During his service, Sam was wounded in combat after being shot in the arm while flying, yet he heroically flew himself to the hospital. For his bravery and dedication, he received numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star medal, Air medal with Combat Distinguish Device, and the National Defense Service medal, among other accommodations.

After his military career, Sam continued serving his community as a police officer, where he taught others how to fly. He later served as a firefighter, once again dedicating his life to protecting others.

Sam was also a loving father to his son, Glenn. Although Glenn tragically passed away at the age of 37, Sam always held his memory close to his heart and carried his love for his son with him throughout his life.

In his free time, Sam found joy in building and collecting model airplanes, cars, and trains-hobbies that reflected his lifelong love of aviation and mechanics.

Sam will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father, a courageous serviceman, a faithful public servant, and a man who lived with honor, humility, and heart. His legacy of service and love will live on in all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Chris Stanton, Ronnie Creel, Jimmy Hobson, Jeff Boyd, David Johnson, Gregory Dale Wallace, Mike Butts.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Strong, Dr. Potts, VA Medical Center, LaTorria, Christel and Hospice of West Alabama, Beverly Armstrong, Cathy Brom, Dr. Duffy and Tom and Elaine Nichols.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of West Alabama.

A special heart-felt thanks to Sharon Hobson and Chris Stanton for providing love and special care during this time of need.