Samuel Wallace Burns, 79, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda A. Burns; his son, Colin W. Burns, and daughter-in-law, Leslie K. John; and his beloved grandsons, Oliver J. Burns and Tyler W. Burns, all of Newton, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce T. Burns (Jan) of Winthrop, Maine; nephew, Matthew T. Burns, and family; and niece, Erin Burns-Card, and family, also of Maine. He was predeceased by his cherished son, Scott W. Burns, in 2002.

Born July 2, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sam grew up in Lincolnwood, Illinois, the son of Mable “Billie” Arrendale Burns and Earl Wallace Burns.

Sam proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant with the 3rd Armored Cavalry, 1st Armored Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. After his service, he attended the University of Delaware earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

A man of tireless dedication and integrity, Sam built a remarkable 46-year career with ACME Markets while also running a small business for more than 26 years. He had a gift for connecting with anyone — a warm smile, an easy conversation, and a genuine interest in others that made every interaction meaningful.

Sam gave his time generously to his communities. In Newark, Delaware, where he and Linda raised their family, Sam played a key role in running city elections for more than 30 years. He also helped grow the game of soccer locally and nationally — serving as President of the Delaware Youth Soccer Association, leading the state’s Olympic Development Program, and working as an administrator for U.S. Soccer Region I teams and U.S. Soccer Youth National teams, traveling the world to support young athletes chasing their dreams.

In 2015, Sam and Linda fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Clayton, Georgia. Clayton quickly became Sam’s “happy place,” where he cherished and reveled in the beauty of the mountains, the warmth of the community, and countless joyful moments with family and friends. He also remained active in his community through the Rabun County Republican Party.

Sam was a lifelong sports fan and rooted passionately for the Philadelphia Eagles and University of Delaware Men’s Soccer team.

His family and friends will forever remember him for his work ethic, his devotion to others, and his gift for making everyone feel welcome.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home, Clayton, GA, on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 4:00pm until 5:00pm. A celebration of life service will follow in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:
Paws4Life Animal Shelter
PO Box 216
Clayton, GA 30525

Tiger Cemetery Fund
3011 Old 441 South
Tiger, GA 30576

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Samuel Burns. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.