James S. McIntosh Jr.

It was difficult to know Sam and not like him. He was loved and respected by so many. Sam loved his family, friends, Shag Dancing, golf, baseball, and Bostic. He left us peacefully while in his home at North Myrtle Beach early Sunday morning, December 17, 2023.

Born and raised in Rockingham, NC, Sam graduated from Rockingham Senior High School in 1962 where he was a standout on the baseball team. After high school he was drafted into the US Army where he served our country for three years including a deployment in the Vietnam conflict. While there, Sam served with distinction earning the Air Medal, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal.

After the service, Sam returned to the states, graduated from Pembroke State College and eventually gained employment at Springs Mills in Lancaster, SC, later becoming the head of Human Resources. He retired in 1999 due to health reasons.

After retirement Sam moved to North Myrtle Beach, where he could be found playing golf with his buddies or spending time at “The Nest” with special friends on special weekends.

A great shag dancer, Sam spent years on the shag circuit and competed in the first National Shag Dance Championships in 1984. He continued to compete for several years in the Professional and later the Masters divisions. He was one of the founders and initial president of the O.D. Pavilion Shag and Social Club, a member of the Sand Flea Living Legends and the National Living Legends of Dance.

In 2001, Sam was inducted into the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame and later served as its President for 18 years. Under his leadership the organization’s event, Shagattack, grew in popularity and attendance to record levels.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Loretta McIntosh; Daughter Heather Whitley; Stepson Andrew Lee; grandchildren Brooke Whitley, Parker Phillips, Emma Lee, Sadie Lee; and brother Bill McIntosh. He was predeceased by his parents Ellen and “Red” McIntosh, brother Mitchell Ray McIntosh, and daughter Allison McIntosh.

We will remember Sam for his leadership at the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame; his love of the dance, music, and lifestyle; and his dapper looks from his pressed jeans, his madras jacket to his colorful shoes. Our memories will be jogged by a dance, a song, a conversation, a martini, or just remembering his smile. He touched many lives in a truly positive manner, and we are much the better for having known him.

There will be a celebration of life for Sam at the O.D. Pavilion in the spring; details will. follow. Donations in his memory may made to the Hall of Fame Foundation, P.O. Box 4070, N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29597 or to McLeod Hospice Care, 3655 Mitchell St., Loris, SC 29569.