Samuel Lawrence Lovelace Jr.

Born on November 4, 1939, to the late Samuel Lawrence Lovelace, Sr. and Ruby Cottle Lovelace. Sam was a native of Pensacola, Florida, and was a 1957 graduate of Pensacola High School. In 1984, his father was honored by the Navy when they named the new four lane bridge entering onto the Naval Air Station (NAS) base after him.

Mr. Lovelace graduated in 1961 from Auburn University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Power Option). That fall, Sam met the love of his life, Patricia Owen, when his sister introduced them at Auburn. Their union of 59 years, blessed them with three beautiful children and many memories to last a lifetime. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family and friends. If there was ever a true Auburn fan, it was Sam. His love for his alma mater and SEC football was unmatched. Whenever he passed by someone in Auburn gear; he would call out “War Eagle” and spark a conversation.

Sam received his Professional Engineering Licenses in Alabama and Texas while being employed in those states. He retired after 46 years of working as an Engineer starting with Gulf Power, then IBM and ending with Boeing. After retirement, Sam entered into the non-profit world, which he considered his ‘most rewarding’ work. Joining the Inside-Out Ministries (IOM), whose mission was to help provide people with basic life needs and share the Good News of Jesus. He deemed IOM, the “Best job ever!”

More important than his love for Auburn and even his love for his amazing family, was Sam’s love for the Lord. He was a faithful servant, singing in the choir, serving as a Sunday school teacher and a Deacon. They served together on a family ministry team. Sam and his family were active members of churches in Florida, Alabama, Texas and finally Georgia, where they joined Perimeter Church in Johns Creek.

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live..." John 11:25

Along with his parents, Sam is preceded in death by sister Susan (Cecil) Murphy; his sister- in- law, Flynne (Jack) Mitchell; and nephew, Larry Parazine.

Mr. Lovelace is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Owen Lovelace; two daughters, Paige (Dana) Blair and Michelle (Ryan) Baham; son, Owen (Heather) Lovelace; grandchildren: Shelby (Rachel) Blair, Connor (Mary) Blair, Kendal (Slade) McMichael, Reece Baham, Aiden Baham, Brady Baham, Olivia Lovelace, Hannah Lovelace and Charlotte Lovelace; great –grandsons: Rivers Blair, Jonah Blair and Tripp Blair; sisters-in-law (whom he always referred to as his sisters), Jackie (Ron) Moore and Debbie (Charlie) Reifschneider; 5 nephews and 1 niece, as well as other loving extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Roswell Funeral Home 950 Mansell Road Roswell, GA 30076.

To honor Sam, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, Samaritan's Purse, or charity of your choosing.