Mr. Samuel “Sam” Polk, age 78, of Vidalia, died Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia after a brief illness. He was a native of Ocala, Florida moving to Vidalia in 1975. Sam served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Winston where he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam and the National Defense Service Medal. In addition to service to his country, he also served his community, living by the motto, “Service above Self”, serving on the City of Vidalia Planning and Zoning Board, Vidalia Rotary Club for 38 years where he held perfect attendance for 33 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Sam also served on the Vidalia Development Authority for 5 years, Toombs County Development Authority for 8 years serving as chairman in 2009, Sweet Onion Classic Charter Board Member, and was the president of Southern Paper Trade in 1986. He retired as General Manager at Heritage Paper Company. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Vidalia and is preceded in death by his parents, Lester Polk and Emma Laird Polk; one sister, Mary Polk Green; and a brother, Jimmy Polk.
His family includes his wife of thirty-six years, Ruth Underwood of Vidalia; one son, Darin Polk and wife Sandra of Statesboro; one step-son, John Underwood and wife Tiffany of Vidalia; one daughter, Wendy Polk Strickland and husband Lloyd; one step-daughter, Jennifer Evans and husband Lee of Vidalia; two brothers, Clarence “Les” Polk and wife Kathy of Gainesville, Florida, and James “Buddy” Polk and wife Loretta of Reddick, Florida; one sister, Evelyn Polk Britt of Gainesville, Florida; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The family will receive friends at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon, April 2nd from 3:00 until 5:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vidalia High School Sports Boosters, 901 North Street West, Vidalia, GA 30474 or Vidalia Heritage Academy, 101 East 1st Street, Vidalia, GA 30474.
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