Samuel Preston McClurkin III

Samuel Preston McClurkin, III unexpectedly passed away on July 12, 2024 at the age of 67. He was a man of faith, principle, and love, always providing a spark of life and laughter to those he encountered.

Sam was born on March 23, 1957 in Montgomery, AL to his beloved parents Sam and Marge, and he also grew up in the loving care of his older sisters Marcia and Janet. Despite being born into a military family conversing the country and world, and later in life working in Savannah, GA, Montgomery always remained home.

In Montgomery, Sam met his future wife Carita, the love of his life. The two later became soul mates as freshmen in college at Auburn University, and they were very happily married for 46 years. Sam then devoted his life to his family and his profession, excelling as a husband, dad, mentor, brother, uncle, colleague, and, later in life, a grandfather to 9 grandchildren who know him best as “Bigdaddy.” Sam and Carita initially had two sons, Mac and John, before his princess Susan finally came along.

While in high school, Sam shined as an athlete and became a star running back before signing a scholarship to play football at LSU despite also being recruited heavily in the mid-1970’s by other schools including Auburn and Alabama. However, Sam quit football due to injuries and followed in his father's footsteps to Auburn University.

In his professional life, Sam achieved a noteworthy business career as a top executive of multiple Fortune 500 companies, of which he received many industry-related achievements including business ethics awards. Notwithstanding his business success, Sam always remained dedicated to his family and the time he spent raising his children. Following retirement, Sam and Carita moved to the Mobile/Spanish Fort, AL area to be with their children and grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved parents Colonel Samuel Preston McClurkin II, Marjorie McQueen McClurkin, and his dearest Mema. Sam is survived by his wife, Carita Harris McClurkin, their three children Samuel “Mac” Preston McClurkin IV, John William McClurkin, and Susan McClurkin Mullis (Andin), as well as his grandchildren Francie McClurkin, Preston McClurkin, Beyza McClurkin, Lauren McClurkin, Catherine McClurkin, Charlotte McClurkin, Huntley Mullis, John Mullis, and Margaret Mullis, his sisters Janet McClurkin Bridges (Bill) and Marcia McClurkin Macrory (Robert), his oldest nephew and dear friend Matthew Boyd Macrory (Sky) (with whom he spoke daily), as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

The family is at peace knowing that Sam is now reunited with his father, mother and all his loved ones who preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mobile, AL at 2:00 PM with visitation at 1:00 PM.