Dr. Samuel Hinton Letson, Jr. (Sam) passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 89. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and retired Baptist minister, Sam lived a life marked by strong faith, a lifelong love of learning, and a deep commitment to the people he loved and served.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Sam was the son of Samuel H. Letson, Sr., and Mamie Sue Letson. He spent his early years in Capital Homes before his family moved to Sylvan Hills, where he attended Sylvan Hills High School. He maintained a lifelong connection to Atlanta, where family, longtime friends, and cherished memories remained an important part of his life. He enjoyed returning to the area over the years to visit family and friends, as well as traveling to Heflin, Alabama, where his wife's family lived.

Sam's Christian faith shaped the course of his life from an early age. He pursued theological education at Mercer University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his undergraduate and master's degrees, respectively. He later received a Doctor of Sacred Theology from Emory University. His lifelong study of Scripture gave him a deep knowledge of the Bible and informed both his preaching and his approach to life.

Sam began his ministry as a youth minister at Helfin Baptist Church in Heflin, Alabama, where he met Linda Walker. They married and shared 64 years together, building a life grounded in their mutual commitment to God, to each other, and to their marriage. Their relationship was characterized by love and respect and remained a central part of Sam's life.

During a career of over 30 years, Sam served as senior pastor of three churches: Clayton Baptist Church in Clayton, Georgia; First Baptist Church of Norcross in Norcross, Georgia; and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Manassas, Virginia. He was a respected church leader and pastor. He believed deeply in leading others to Jesus and devoted his life to the study and teaching of God's Word.

After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Sam became a real estate agent and continued to serve churches through interim pastorates. He also remained interested in civic and political affairs. Sam was an avid reader, often working through several books alongside a newspaper or magazine. He was also a lifelong writer who composed poetry and short stories, and enjoyed giving poems to people he knew.

Those who knew Sam will remember his sharp wit, outgoing nature, and fondness for making people laugh. He was as comfortable striking up a conversation with a longtime friend as he was engaging a complete stranger.

Sam was a loving and devoted father to his two sons, Samuel H. Letson, III, and Jonathan W. Letson. He took pride in their lives and supported their interests and goals. He passed along his love of books and reading and created lasting family memories through activities such as traveling, camping, fishing, and their shared love of the family dogs.

As a grandfather, Sam shared his enthusiasm for football with Caleb Letson. Caleb remembers drawing football plays on his granddaddy's church bulletin to stay occupied during services, as well as adventures exploring the snowy woods of Virginia. Sam had a gift for making time together memorable, and his grandson recalls that he was never bored with him.

In his later years, Sam lived with the effects of dementia. During that difficult journey, he continued to tell his family that he loved them until the final days. Even while receiving skilled nursing care at NHC Oak Ridge during the last year of his life, his faith remained evident. He would often lead other residents in singing hymns from his wheelchair in the hallway—a fitting expression of the faith that had accompanied him throughout his life.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Linda Walker Letson; his sons, Samuel H. Letson, III (wife Lisa), and Jonathan W. Letson (wife Holly); his grandson, Caleb Letson (wife Liz); and his sisters, Suzanne Scarbrough (husband Bill), and Sharon Weathers (husband Doc). He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel H. Letson, Sr., and Mamie Sue Letson, and his sister, Shirley Letson.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to Doug Bromley, Administrative Pastor at West Park Baptist Church, the last church Sam was able to attend, for his ministry and care for the family; to the doctors and nurses at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge; to the compassionate staff at NHC Oak Ridge, who cared for Sam during the final year of his life; and to the staff at CADES Adult Day Services.

Sam will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful pastor who cared deeply for those he served, and a man whose life was grounded in a strong and enduring faith. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast faith in God.

A memorial service will take place at West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 14th. Details will follow.

If you would like to donate to an organization in Sam’s name, either of the following would honor him:

West Park Baptist Church, 8833 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville TN 37923

https://westparkbaptist.org/give

CADES Adult Day Services: https://concordunited.org/friendofcades/

This obituary has been posted by Beck Funeral Home as a courtesy.