Sam Singal

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Sam Singal, 95, of Augusta, Georgia, passed away on December 28, 2011 after a brief illness. Sam was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 29, 1916 to Samuel and Sarah Singal. He was one of seven children (brothers Abe and Harry and sisters Blanche, Pearl, Minette, and Esther) all of whom predeceased him. Sam was a true renaissance man, having been both an accomplished scientist and a recognized and respected artist. After growing up in Toledo, he attended college at the University of Michigan, where he received a Ph.D in Biochemistry in his early 20's. Sam was hired as an instructor of biochemistry at the Georgia Medical College in the early 1940's. He went on to become a full professor there. He conducted extensive research on sickle cell disease and authored studies published in medical journals. From 1974 to 1984, he served as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the Medical College of Georgia. After retiring from the Medical College in 1985, Sam began his second career as an artist. He was passionate about art and had several exhibitions over the years. Sam also contributed to his community in many ways. Early on, he helped bring live theater to Augusta. Sam was one of the founders of the Amnesty International chapter in Augusta and was very active in developing programs to enroll minority students at the Medical College. Before his passing, he set up a scholarship fund to help future art students at Augusta State University. Sam had a large circle of friends in Augusta. He enjoyed cooking and hosting parties at his home. He belonged to a reading group that met every two weeks for over fifty years. He was also passionate about politics. Sam is survived by many dear friends in Augusta, including Millie Howard and Elizabeth Cook; by his brother-in-law Jerry Brody and by many nephews and nieces. A celebration of Sam's life will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Maxwell Alumni House at Augusta State University. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Sam Singal Scholarship in Art at Augusta State University, contact Georgann Earnest at gearnest@aug.edu.