Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Samuel Stapleton Obituary
April 7, 2025
Samuel Luther Stapleton, Jr., 73, passed away on April 7, 2025. He was creative to the core, whether he was viewing the world through a camera lens or making up stories full of whimsy to entertain any child who crossed his path. Sam was deeply kind and endlessly curious. He grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in accounting. Sam worked as an auditor for Blue Cross for several years, before joining the finance department at the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he worked for 37 years. An artist with a camera, his photography was featured in books, magazines and galleries across the country.
Sam is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Hudson; daughters, Elizabeth Stapleton and son-in-law, Keaton Miller and Erin Stapleton; brother, Robert Stapleton; sister, Mary Anne (Rick) Eason. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Luther Stapleton, Sr. and Dorothy Lee Stapleton.
The family wishes to thank the compassionate medical staff at UT Cancer Specialists, UT Medical Center, and UT Hospice. Special gratitude goes to hospice nurse Jalisa Nance.
Memorial arrangements are pending. Donations in Sam's memory may be made to Friends of Seven Islands State Birding Park, PO Box 27182, Knoxville, TN 37927 (7islands.org/donate). A long-time board member, some of Sam's happiest hours were spent walking in the park, camera in hand. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Stapleton
Sponsored by Cremation Options, Inc..
1 Entry
steve Taylor
April 12, 2025
I am shocked. Although I haven't seen Sammy in years, we were childhood friends in Preston Woods. When my family moved there, his mother walked him across the street to our house to meet me. That was second grade. many nights of sleepovers, playing basketball in his driveway with Bobby and Cub Scounts. So sorry.
Steve Taylor
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Samuel Stapleton's name
Memorial Events
for Samuel Stapleton
How to support Samuel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Samuel Stapleton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
