of West Memphis, AR
October 5, 1934 - July 25, 2021
Sam Avery Lehr Jr, 86, on Sunday July 25, 2021, instead of getting up to go to church got up and went to heaven He was preceded in death by his first wife Joan Minor Lehr and is survived by his devoted wife Carolyn, daughter Suzanne Ross (David) of Bella Vista Arkansas, his daughter Laura Lehr of White Lake Michigan, a loving Step Daughter Lyda Cay Harris of Dyersburg Tennessee and his son and Best friend Richard Lehr of Memphis, TN and brother Gene Lehr of West Memphis; grandchildren Baxter Ross, Emily Mullens, Garrett Eglitis and Hanna Swan and 2 great grandchildren Griffin Samuel Ross and Drew Collins Ross.
Sam was a retired supervisor for the Army Corp. of Engineers for whom he worked for over 30 years. Sam kept busy during retirement with continual home improvements. He was the first "Tim the tool man Taylor". He loved to fish and his fish fries were a treat for so many.
Sam contributed to the community through service on the West Memphis City Council, Vice mayor for the city, The West Memphis Airport Commission and the Great river road commission. He was active in the Jaycees and for many years sold Christmas trees for the Rosewood Methodist Men's club.
Sam was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of West Memphis where he loved his chance to learn more about Christ through his Sunday School Class. He was never afraid to ask questions that would enhance his and the classes understanding of the scriptures.
Sam fell in love and married Joan on Ground Hog Day 1958 and they raised 3 children together until the Lord called her home on February 6 ,1987. Sam's faith was tested during this time but he maintained that faith and the Lord filled the void that was left in his heart with Carolyn to whom he was married to for the last 26 years. Sam's Love and devotion to his family was only exceeded by his love and devotion to Christ whom he now stands beside in heaven. Sam had a strong faith and belief in Christ and showed this by example in the life he lived. Sam's fervent and sincere interest in other people won him many friends and acquaintances.
The family kindly asks memorials be sent to either the West Memphis Presbyterian Church or to the American Caner Society.
When I must Leave You;
When I must leave you for a
Little while, please do not
Grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to
You through the years, but
Start out bravely with a
Gallant smile and for my
Sake and in my name live on
And do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness on
Empty days but fill each waking
Hour in useful ways reach
Out your hand in comfort and
In cheer and I in turn will
Comfort you and hold you near
And never never be afraid to
Die for I am waiting for you
In the sky
Sign Guestbook
26 Condolence(s)
Janice and Richard Dehn
Monday, August 2, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Lehr family. We are so saddened to learn of Sam’s passing. Sam was one of the finest persons you’d ever come to know.
Tina Worrell
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
I remember Mr.Lehr as a loving, kind, smart, spiritual, & hard working man. I ran into Sam some 11 years ago in a medical building in West Memphis. Mr. Lehr treated me like a dear old friend that day, handsome & kind, like he always was. GOD comfort his wife, children & loved ones. Love you Laura & Richard.
Roger & Ona Bruce
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Carolyn, praying for comfort and peace during this time of grieving. Sam will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on through his family and many friends. He was a great example of his Christian faith. Praying are with the Lehr family.
Amy (payne) Sisson
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Richard, I was so saddened to heart about the passing with deer sweet daddy. He always and a smile on his face and was always so welcoming of me into your home. I know you have just lost your best friend but hang onto the precious memories that your made together. He was definitely a favorite of mine.
Love always,
Amy
steve benton
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Suzanne so sorry for your loss. prayers for you and all your family.
Troy and Fawn Knight
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Dear Laura and Family. We are so saddened for your loss. We loved when Sam and Caroline came up to visit you guys. He was a warm, wonderful man and a great conversationalist. He will be very missed. Our love and prayers go out to you.
Bob Ross
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Suzanne, I was sorry to hear of your father’s death. His obituary is a beautiful tribute to a good man who did much for his family and community. Regardless of the circumstances the loss of a parent is very difficult. My heart is with you and your entire family in this difficult time. Bobby
Jimmie and Billy Walker
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Carolyn, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you feel the warmth of our arms surrounding you with love and concern at this sad time in your life. Big Hugs, Jimmie
Roxi Bonner
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Carolyn, I am so very sorry to hear of Uncle Sam’s passing. I know he is at peace now with our Heavenly Father and may your memories help comfort you during this time. Thinking of all of you and sending much love
With Love, Roxi
Mike Ross
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Suzanne, Richard, Laura and Miss Carolyn so sorry for your loss. From the first day I meet Sam he always made me feel apart of your family. If of any comfort Sam lived a very good life but more important he was a exceptionally good man. I too will miss him.
Margie Jordan
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Uncle Sam will be missed so much but never forgotten. He lived his life as a true man of God and God's love shined through him to all of us. Praying for all the family in this difficult time. He was truly a man of God. This I know to be true.
Donna Presley
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Dear Laura and Family
So very sorry for your loss. Will keep you in our prayers
Donna and Ken Presley
Vicki Hill
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
My heart breaks for you Carolyn. Uncle Sam was one of a kind. He has been there for our family through tough times. We will miss his sweet spirit, timely advice, and unconditional love. Our love and prayers for you, Richard, Suzanne and Laura. We know he is rejoicing with Jesus and get great comfort in our faith.
Sallye King
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Carolyn I’m so sad to hear of Sam’s death. He was truly one of the most special men I have ever meet. He always had a smile, asking about my family and sharing some times we had as neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dot Clements
Monday, July 26, 2021
Carolyn, Jerry and I are so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing! May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort as you face the difficult days ahead!
Mike & Debbie Greer
Monday, July 26, 2021
We are sorry for your loss. Praying for all.
Alisa & Mark Criner
Monday, July 26, 2021
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David and Ann Godwin
Monday, July 26, 2021
Our prayers for you Carolyn. So sorry to hear of Sam's passing. God be with you during this time
Renita Rash
Monday, July 26, 2021
Prayers for the Lehr family. Mr. Sam was a sweet man. Enjoyed working with him while he was on the City Council and several boards. ðŸ™ðŸ»
Jodi (Hanns) Minor
Monday, July 26, 2021
I will truly miss Uncle Sam at family gatherings, he always made me feel special. May he rest in peace ðŸ•Šï¸ ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Jodi (Hanns) Minor
Monday, July 26, 2021
I will truly miss Uncle Sam at family gatherings, he always made me feel special. May he rest in peace ðŸ•Šï¸ ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Andrew D. Luttrell
Monday, July 26, 2021
Prayers go out for Sam, Mrs. Lehr and family members. He was a great friend and mentor. I am truly said that he passed away. Memories of the past, when the Lehr's, Felty's and Luttrell's went camping and water skiing at Greer's Ferry Lake we always had a great time.
Sincerely,
Andy Luttrell
Sandra C Phelps
Monday, July 26, 2021
Carolyn, we are so sorry for the loss of Sam. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
David McCullough
Monday, July 26, 2021
So sad to hear this....Good man, good neighbor. Prayers for the Lehr family during this time of loss.
Deana Stewart
Monday, July 26, 2021
Carolyn I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Sam. Please know that my prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family. I will especially be praying for your comfort and peace and that God will surround you with HIS mighty presence.
Norma Wall
Monday, July 26, 2021
Dear Carolyn, I am shocked to read about Sam. He was a wonderful man. I'm sorry I'm not there to help you. Sam is well now in the arms of Jesus. Take care. I love you