Sam Franklin Osborne

The world grew a little dimmer on January 13, 2026, with the passing of Sam Franklin Osborne, age 79, of Suwanee, Georgia.
Sam was born on February 22, 1946, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Sam Osborne and Sarah Catherine Hucks. He grew up in Rock Hill with his brother, Joe, and attended Rock Hill High School.
Sam proudly served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968 as a Naval Aircrewman, specializing in airborne electronic systems including communications, radar, and sonar. After his service, he moved to Marietta, Georgia, where he worked at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, supporting aircraft production and innovation.
He later continued his career in high-tech electronics and retired in 2010 after more than 20+ years with Electromagnetic Sciences in Peachtree Corners/Norcross.
Sam was passionate about HAM radio and proudly operated under the call sign KE4FT. He loved connecting with people locally and around the world, often providing critical communication during emergencies-long before internet systems existed.
A devoted husband, father, coach, and friend, Sam was known as the "go-to" person for anything electronic. He shared 44 loving years with his wife, Dakie, and deeply cherished his family.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Dacus (Dakie); his children Michelle Tindol Garner, Michelle Osborne Smith, her husband David and daughter Greysen, Michael ("Whitt") Tindol and his wife Nikki and their children Drew and Peyton; his brother Joe Osborne and wife Sheryl and their children Mary Catherine and Caroline; and many extended family members and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Sarah Osborne.

Sam will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, bright smile, warm humor, and deep love for his family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Bill Head Funeral Home Chapel in Duluth.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Cancer

Society or The Fountain Church in Suwanee, Georgia.