Sam David Tootle, Sr., of Savannah, Georgia passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the age of 80. Sam, son of Foy Monroe Tootle and Lela Purvis Tootle, was born in Mendes, Georgia, where he spent his childhood. He married his sweetheart, Rose Marie Saraf, and with her raised their four children.
Sam retired from American General in 1996 after a long career in insurance. He was an active member in the community, serving in the United States Navy. Sam was a long time communicant of St. James Catholic Church, where he served as lector and usher, and participated in the Men's Club. He is best remembered by his family for his light-hearted spirit and his endless supply of old sayings and life lessons.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Foy Monroe, Jr. ' F. M.', Pat, Max, Ned, Virginia, Gwen and Sabra Ann.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose Marie; his children, David (Jacque), Stephen (Paula), Beth (Ike), and Angela; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Jan. He was loved deeply and will be dearly missed.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Monday evening at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at St. James the Less Catholic Church conducted by Father Mark J. Ross. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: St. James Catholic Church ' 8412 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406-6198 or Hospice Savannah - Post Office Box #13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416-0190 or the Alzheimer\'s Association, Georgia Chapter ' 201 Television Circle, Savannah, Georgia 31406.