Samuel Albert Buzzell passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, leaving behind a legacy built on hard work, generosity, loyalty, and a deep love for his family.

Samuel was born on March 12, 1945, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to the late Walter and Alma Jones Buzzell. Growing up in a military family meant that home could be found in many places. His family lived in Presque Isle, Maine, and Japan before eventually settling in Warner Robins, Georgia, where Samuel graduated from Warner Robins High School.

Following high school, Samuel proudly served his country in the United States Army, including in serving in Vietnam. After completing his military service, he returned home and went to work for his brother, Wayne, at his gas station. He later began working for Mr. Theo Godfrey in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business. Following Mr. Godfrey’s passing, Samuel took over the business, which became Buzzell Plumbing Heating & Air. Originally located on Front Street, the company later moved to Carl Vinson Parkway and continued to grow under Samuel’s leadership. In 2014, that growth led to the construction of a new location on Russell Parkway, where the business remains today.

Samuel was a businessman through and through, but he was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and work alongside others. In addition to building his own company, he built houses and shopping centers throughout the area. He believed in working hard, doing things the right way, and being someone others could depend upon.

Samuel also believed in serving his community. Over the years, he served as a Houston County Commissioner and as Chairman of the Houston County Board of Commissioners. He was a member of the Bonaire Boyz Club, as well as a Mason and Shriner.

Away from work and community service, Samuel was happiest outdoors. An avid bass fisherman, he was a member of the International City Bass Club and competed in tournaments throughout the Southeast. His skill on the water earned him numerous trophies and tournament victories, along with the distinction of “Fisherman of the Year” several times. His love of fishing also took him to Alaska, where he enjoyed salmon fishing. He took great pride in processing his own catch and bringing it home to enjoy and generously share with family and friends. Samuel also loved deer hunting and rarely passed up an opportunity to spend time in the woods.

In 2001, Samuel purchased a farm in south Houston County that became much more than a piece of property, it became a gathering place for his family and the setting for some of their most treasured memories. Days there were spent hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers, and watching the grandchildren play in the woods and get as muddy as they pleased. Evenings often ended gathered around a campfire, sharing stories, laughing, and simply enjoying being together.

For Samuel, those moments were about far more than hunting or fishing. They were opportunities to spend time with the people he loved and to pass along what he knew. With patience and a steady hand, he taught his grandchildren about the outdoors, but he also taught them about life, working hard, being responsible, enjoying the simple things, and taking care of the people around you. The farm became a place where generations bonded and memories were made that his family will carry with them for years to come.

Samuel was patient, kind, fiercely loyal, and generous to a fault. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could always bring a little laughter to those around him. He worked hard throughout his life, but he also understood the importance of making time for family, friends, and the things he loved.

At his core, Samuel was simply a good man—a true “good ole boy” in the very best sense of the phrase. He loved the outdoors, valued a hard day’s work, enjoyed a good laugh, and was always willing to lend a hand. His life was marked not only by the businesses he built or the positions he held, but by the relationships he nurtured, the lessons he passed down, and the many lives made better by knowing him.

In addition to his parents, Samuel was preceded in death by his siblings, Dwinell A. “Buzz” Buzzell and Buddy Buzzell

His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife, Suzanne Buzzell; children, Cindy Morris (John), Paigh Chastain (Pat), Lora Thompson (Brian), and Robert “Bobby” Walter Buzzell; grandchildren, Hannah Morris, Olivia Morris, Sarah Grace Morris, Eva Morris, John Morris, Jr., Ashton Griffin (Zack), Jake Chastain (Mackenzie), Carleigh Chastain, Skyler Bone (Luke), Brian Thompson, Jr., Bella Buzzell, Robert Buzzell, Jr., Mia Buzzell, and Robin Buzzell; great-grandchildren, Elli Chastain, Aubrie Chastain, Walker Chastain, Carter Chastain, and Henry Bone; siblings, Wayne Buzzell (Marsha), Audrey Hashaw (John), and Joe Buzzell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Samuel to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting https://www.stjude.org/ .

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.