Sammie was employed by US Steel in Fairfield, AL for over 40 years and worked for a long time as a taxidermist in Alabama. He was affiliated with the Sharon Heights Baptist in Brookside, was a veteran of the US Army in WW II and a member of the American Taxidermy Association.

He is survived by his daughter Rebecca H. (Bill) Blackstone of Indialantic, FL, sons Sammy Joe (Martha) Harkins of Mulga, AL and David (Lisa) Harkins of Hueytown, AL, grandchildren Jeff (April), John (Maggie) and Joanna Blackstone all of Florida and Matt Harkins of Mulga, AL and Abbie Harkins of Hueytown, AL and 4 great-grandchildren Ryan, Jason, Campbell and Bekah.