Sam Butts was more of a friend to me than I’m sure he ever thought. Talking to Sam over the years, each conversation eventually lead into a history primer. Sam had knowledge of so many subjects but in that compassionate soft spoken voice his passion was history.Sam was a part of a family that traced it roots to the 1800’s in Tennessee, and I’m sure if given the time he could fill in the gap between the civil war and present day.
Many of Sam’s ancestors are buried in the old City Cemetery. When he heard that my son McLean’s Eagle Scout Project was to clean up the Cemetery and build a reflecting bench on a bluff overlooking the Harpeth River, he donated money so the job could get done. When it came time for McLean’s Eagle ceremony Sam gave him a silver Eagle coin to celebrate the event.
This was the Sam I knew, and although I saw him off and on I always enjoyed time spent with him.I was sad when I had heard Sam had passed and I was sad for Glenna who is a friend as well. I was sad for my boy who never really got to know Sam well but really appreciated what he had done for him.
What very few people know is that McLean and Sam have a special bond, for Sam was an Eagle Scout too.
Rest in peace Sam Butts, I will never forget you and your kind soul.
David Zauner
Kingston Springs