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Sam Hagan Obituary
Accomplished in opera, Hagan performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera; he sang at Maynard Jackson's inauguration and cantored a mass for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.
But many Atlantans will remember him best as a soloist in the annual performance of Handel's "Messiah" at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. For 40 years, Hagan's pure tenor was the first voice the congregation heard, at the beginning of the great oratorio.
It was not Advent, said members of the congregation, until they heard Sam sing.
Hagan died suddenly Sunday of a heart attack at his East Lake home. He was 81.
A memorial service will be held in the fall.
As a young man, Hagan was hired to teach biology at Westminster Schools and later at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. He enjoyed a long teaching career, but his heart was in music. Even as a graduate student at Emory, he sang with the Southern Regional Opera Company and then with the Atlanta Opera.
Sam is survived by his wife, Martha Hagan; his sister Mary Ann Blossomgame; brothers-in-law Jimmie Smith and Marcellus McKeever; a sister-in-law Dr. Sharon Cregier; nephews and nieces and grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. He was preceded in death by his sisters Carolyn McKeever and Marjorie Smith.
Read more about Sam Hagan on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Sam Hagan
16 Entries
Yuzana & John
July 22, 2025
So sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful man and great neighbor. Our hearts go out to Marti, his beloved wife of so many years. Our deepest condolences to Marti and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace.
Yuzana and John
Peter DeShan
March 25, 2025
When Sam Hagan sang, it felt like the world paused its spinning, just long enough for heaven itself to lean down and listen. With a voice that soared effortlessly, rich and pure as morning sunlight breaking through mist, Sam didn´t simply perform-he elevated the souls of those around him. He puckered his lips on high notes, as he belted out frequencies through the heavens, where he surely will be going.
I remember clearly the day of my wedding in 1982, young and dumb I was, nerves frayed, tangled with uncertainty. But as Sam's tenor voice lifted into the sacred space at First Presbyterian singing the Lord´s prayer, something profound unfolded, having me speak vows prophetically, leaving some later to ask why. His music, radiant and reverent, opened doors unseen and for a moment, God´s presence became tangible, comforting, undeniable. And I imagined time lasting forever as a young man, with Jesus smiling warmly, whispering softly, "This is how it is done in heaven, bringing joy, bringing peace. He sings the truth, and in his song, I am known."
Sam was not only gifted in music but also dedicated as a science teacher, bringing life and curiosity into the classroom just as naturally as he brought emotion into song. Hardworking and humble, Sam embodied the grace and depth of someone who genuinely understood life´s intricacies, both scientific and spiritual. I too was into Science, but we never got to really jab about that.
Sam sang again at my mother's funeral in Feb 2022 (Agnes E. DeShan), enriching our grief-stricken hearts and reminding us vividly of the joyful days when her own voice filled our home, when Christmas was always brighter, always deeper in meaning, when voices guided us gently to the divine, where everyone felt touched by grace.
I was supposed to meet Sam that December to personally thank him and Graham Purkerson to honor the extraordinary gift they shared with us all. But in March, before we could meet again, he quietly left this world. I missed my chance to tell him face-to-face how much he meant, how rare and precious his gift at the services were to all. In conversations we had, he spoke humbly about his music, never fully grasping perhaps how deeply he touched everyone around him. I told him on the phone in December prophetically again that he was truly special and one of a kind, a beautiful soul whose music resonated beyond mere sound, touching eternity itself. He has touched so many at St Jude`s Church, and many others around Atlanta. He will be missed by many.
Susan Smith
July 15, 2024
I just saw this and was shocked and saddened to hear of Sam´s sudden passing. Jus too young, he had so much more music and talent that needed to be shared.
Myriam Seoane
June 27, 2024
Sam graciously agreed to sing at the memorial mass for my mother at the end of January. My condolences to all of his family. I have not doubt that he is singing in heaven.
Kevin Sims
May 15, 2024
Sam tore down barriers at Westminster ... by being himself. Gifted teacher. Gifted singer. Gifted human. He brightened every room. Grateful he sang at my father's memorial. Blessings, good servant to Him.
Kathy Westbrook
May 2, 2024
Martha I am so sorry to hear of Sam´s passing. He was a wonderful person with an extraordinary voice!!! I have many wonderful memories of working with him at First Christian Church in Decatur. It was a privilege to accompany him. I especially remember the many times he sang on Christmas Eve and then you two would head off for Christmas in New York. God bless you and keep you as you mourn his passing.
Brendan Finucane
March 13, 2024
Sincere condolences Martha. I was lucky enough to hear Sam sing, on more than one occasion, thanks to you. I wish you every comfort as you navigate your way through the grieving process.
Kathleen MacMillan
March 12, 2024
I only had the pleasure of knowing Sam for a short period of time, but he impressed me with his wonderful tenor voice and his intrinsic decency and warmth. He was truly a gift to his family, community, and friends in Prince Edward Island, Canada - where he gifted his voice to the Hillcrest congregation on occasion. Sincere condolences to Marti for her loss, but what wonderful memories she can cherish for years to come.
Elaine Camacho
March 10, 2024
Sending much love and many prayers to Mrs. Hagan and Sam´s entire family at this time. I had the privilege of singing Messiah with Sam many years ago...I´ll be digging out that recording to revisit and remember this kind soul with such a special voice. Memory Eternal
Martha Ann Stegar
March 10, 2024
Dear Marti: What a shock to see in the AJC that Sam had died! So sudden! My heart goes out to you. He was so special to all of us at First Presbyterian. I can´t imagine musical Atlanta without him. Besides his wonderful talents, he was such a kind and caring person. May the Lord comfort you.
Pamela Ingram
March 10, 2024
Dear Marty,
I am so saddened by the news. I will miss Sam as an old friend and an amazing voice in so many recitals and concerts. My love to you and family. Pamela Ingram
Lilian Bryan
March 10, 2024
I had the privilege of first meeting Sam Hagen many decades ago, on stage of the Shoestring Opera Company performing The Merry Widow. Followed him through the years with great admiration.
Elizabeth Wilson
March 9, 2024
I've known and loved Sam & Marti Hagan for a lot of years. They were (and) are an amazing couple, and each one individually had their own wonderful gifts, most especially music and helping young singers move on up that wonderful ladder. A dear man and his beautiful voice has left us -- and while it's not easy, he will always be in our hearts. I am so grateful that I was part of a very special circle of amazing friends.
J Carter Joseph
March 9, 2024
Atlanta has lost another of its countless treasures. Having heard Sam Hagan sing several times during the past few decades, I can attest to the joy he brought to so many with his treasurable gifts of music. Rest in peace, dear man. As John Lennon wrote; The love you take is equal to the love you make.
Al Lane
March 9, 2024
I didn't know you brother Hagan, and I regret that I didn't get to hear you sing. May you rest in eternal peace after a life well lived.
Molly Peterson
March 9, 2024
This can´t be true. Sam´s heart failed him and mine is now breaking. During my long membership at First Presbyterian Church Sam was one of God´s angels, one of His servants, sending the congregation messages from the Divine through his magnificent voice, messages that one knew without doubt went straight from heaven to Sam. Oh, his voice. Oh, the beauty, the purity, the joy, the ease. The love. Sam did not just sing for us, he joined us in fellowship throughout the church.
He possessed the sweetest personality, the best grin. The love that Sam expressed, a true gift from above, was returned a hundred fold to him. Besides joyful Sunday worship and special occasions, Sam sang at memorial services for some f our most beloved church members. You just knew that all was well when Sam delivered his solo. You just knew. And now. Who will replace him. No one. There will always be only one Sam Hagan. And there will always be holes in the many hearts who adored and respected him. My sincere condolences to his family and the countless number of people who knew and loved him.
With love, Molly Peterson
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