Sam J. Spain

Sam J. Spain, age 70 passed away Friday, December 30, 2022, at MUSC Florence Medical Center with loving family by his side.

I was born in Elyria, OH on October 1, 1952, to Sam and June (Harrington) Spain. I came out of the womb, guns-a-blazin', born in a barn on Oberlin Rd. My brothers and sisters weren't there just yet, so I knew that although I wanted to have a good time, I had to take on a bit of responsibility first until I could get out on my own.

I grew up on Callahan Drive and went to Midview High School. High School was fun, but couldn’t wait to get out of there. I just knew that there were new adventures waiting for me ... That's when I got the call from the United States Marine Corps. I joined the Marines in the Spring of 1971. I couldn't wait to be a soldier, but soldier life wasn't as fun as I thought it would be … a lot of toilet scrubbing, push-ups, and wall climbing.  Boy, it was tough to get through! Not to mention, I was thrown in the hole for a couple of days for "disciplinary reasons". Eventually, though, I made my way through it and graduated. I went to Okinawa, Japan, and met a few friends there. I had a good ole’ time (except for the time my finger was cut off, don't ask). When I came back to the States, I was informed I had a son! I remember having plenty of good times but maybe I had more fun than I thought!  He’s named after your’s truly.

Eventually, once soldier life was over, I had to take responsibility and be a husband and a father. My first landing spot was on Eighth Street in Elyria. I worked with Conrail trains for a bit, then decided that wasn't the life for me. I still have a key to one of the cabins to this day.

I had a cousin that lived in a small town called Seagraves, Texas, and he convinced me to move down there to begin a life as an oil man. By this time, I had a son, Sam (Cynthia) Spain (the same one from Okinawa), and a daughter, Kame (William Reeves) Spain. I took 'em down south with me and spent seven years of my life as a roughneck. I have lots of stories about the life of a roughneck, but I'll sum it up this way. Rough necking is a lot of card playing, drinking, and a lot of dirt. If you stink at gambling, don't drink, or hate getting dirty, you should seek another profession. 

The oil wells dried up in the mid-80s and I found myself back in Ohio. I landed a job with the Ohio Turnpike as a toll collector. In my spare time, I worked side jobs in construction. Although I could build a house with my bare hands, I found that supervising was my best attribute and tried to stay in that role as much as possible, in life and work. Ask anyone around me, and they'll tell you supervising is what I do best! 

I retired from the Ohio Turnpike in 2020. Man was I glad to get out, and I believe my customers were too! I’m a firm believer that picking up pennies is great exercise. I researched to see where I should go next and chose Florence, SC. This is where I've resided since. You see, I met a gal named Tina (Sullivan) Spain a few years back and her family lived in Florence. Tina had a lot of family down here and they were great. They accepted me and made me part of their family. One time I corrected Tina about her “choice words", and I’m surprised I didn't get the ass-whooping I was expecting. I told her family I was trying to teach her to be ladylike. To my amazement, they just looked at me like I was a madman. No worries here though, I secretly love her spunk. 

I enjoyed traveling. I've been to China, many islands in the Caribbean, and all over the States. Euchre was my favorite card game, but don't let that fool you. I could lose money in just about any poker game. I was a good player don't get me wrong, just my luck and my skills didn't see eye-to-eye. I loved hanging out with friends, especially those at the AmVets and VFW. Many have come and gone, but we shared stories and laughed about our adventures and shortcomings. I loved baseball early in my life and golf later in my life, but my true passion lies with the Cleveland Browns - and that's all I'll say about that

I've met a lot of people in my life that I feel like I should mention. First, my wife, Tina you saw me through all my faults and still loved me. I will not forget how you saved me, thank you. I'll be waiting for you, but you take care of yourself first. Second, I want to mention my brothers and sisters, Mike (Leah) Spain, Jayme Spain, Vincent (Karen) Spain, and Chris Mason. I love you!  And, even though I made it my top priority to irritate the shit out of you, it was all done out of love (and who am I kidding, fun) ... and believe me, it doesn't stop here. When you reach the pearly gates, I'll be waiting for you

I was preceded in death by my sister Tonia Jabbusch, mother and father, June and Sam and I'm guessing they'll all be ready to get their hands on me for one reason or another. I'm hoping they'll have a beer up there waiting for me but probably more like a 2x4. My kids, Sam and Kame - I haven't done much right in this world, but what I did do best was take part in raising two great kids. Savannah (John) Porcier, Ciairra (Justin) Hoag, Devanie Woods, and Travis Montgomery - Thank you for coming into my life and allowing me into your world. Being around you and the grandkids made me feel young again, it was a joy to spend the time I did with you. To those that entered my life as former in-laws and former mates - I love you too. For whatever reason, we are where we are, but that doesn't mean I didn't like teasing you too. To my grandkids, all 19 of you. Are there more? Did I forget anybody? There's 'gotta be a child in there that I missed! You are the future of our family, don't just be successful in life - be happy, without happiness you're just a shell of yourself and can never be the best version of yourself. 

To the world- I loved, I lived, I led, and now it's time for me to take a long nap. Have a beer on me, and remember, there's nothing wrong with crying during an episode of Little House on the Prairie.

Turn the lights off, Tina!

Mr. Spain is entrusted to the care of Kelvin F. Lewis, Funeral Director, and Lewis Crematory & Funeral Services of Myrtle Beach, SC.

(843) 294-0011

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