Joseph Samuel Espy Jr.

1943 - 2025

Joseph Samuel Espy Jr., affectionately known as Sam, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on August 19, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, he was the son of Joseph Samuel and Marjorie Helveson Espy.

Sam spent his early years in Savannah and attended several local schools, including The Pape School, Charles Ellis, and Savannah Country Day. He also attended Asheville School before completing high school at The Gow School in South Wales, New York, where he made lifelong friends and thrived playing football, soccer, and golf, and learning to ski. He returned to Georgia and earned his BBA from the University of Georgia.

A proud Bulldog for life, Sam's love for UGA was sparked early by a family friend-legendary coach Wally Butts. Some of his favorite childhood memories included riding the team bus and standing on the sidelines during games. That passion never faded, and he remained a devoted fan through every season.

Sam began his career in banking in 1966 with Savannah Bank. He later joined the local brokerage firm of Varnedoe, Chisholm and Skinner. In 1973, he helped start American Federal Savings and Loan, which was later sold in 1981. Sam then joined the Coastal Bank, eventually becoming its president. His banking journey continued as he helped in the formation of First Chatham Bank, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his career, Sam found deep fulfillment not just in the work itself, but in the relationships it fostered. He took genuine joy in building trust with his customers, often saying it was the people he enjoyed helping the most. His natural warmth and gift for connection made him a beloved figure in the Savannah business community.

Sam was also an active member of several local clubs that brought him great enjoyment and community: The Chatham Club, Savannah Yacht Club, Savannah Golf Club, The Cotillion Club, and The Oglethorpe Club.

Sam experienced true friendship through his dear friend, Jerry Hendrix. When Sam could no longer drive and found himself confined at home, Jerry became a steadfast presence in his life. Sam always said how lucky he was to have a friend like Jerry-a loyal companion whose unwavering kindness enriched his life immeasurably.

Above all, Sam's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his four sons-Joseph Samuel Espy III, Troy Millikan Espy, Stuart Helvenston Espy, and Blake Rothwell Espy-and their mother, Kathy Espy. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Penny Tillman of Asheville, North Carolina, and leaves behind five cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Espy of Atlanta.

Graveside service in Bonaventure will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025 with Rev. Ian Lasch officiating.

Sam's legacy lives on in the lives of his children and all those he touched through his kindness, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.