Mr. Sawyer was born in Columbia, S.C. He was son of the late James Samuel and Imogene Turner Sawyer.

His childhood was spent in Smithfield, where he graduated from Smithfield High School.

He had been a resident of Portsmouth for many years. Sam attended The College of William and Mary.

After college, he worked as a youth counselor in North Carolina and thereafter in shipping and receiving at Fairbanks-Morse for 20 years.

He enjoyed reading, writing, coaching youth soccer and duckpin bowling. He was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cradock, a community in Portsmouth.

Survivors include his son, James Parnell Sawyer; two brothers, Charles Howard Sawyer and James Andrew Sawyer and nieces and nephews.

A life celebration service was conducted Tuesday in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Father Richard Holley officiating.

Private burial followed in St. Luke’s Memorial Park, Smithfield.

Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield, handled arrangements.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 17 Bainbridge Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23702.