Samuel Lee McWilliams

Samuel Lee McWilliams, 69, passed away on September 26, 2025 in Albany, Oregon at the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House.

Sam McWilliams was born May 20,1956 in Albany, Oregon. He was the third child born to David Nicholas and Effie (Fern) Breeden McWilliams. Sam's older siblings were twins, Donna and Dan. His siblings following him were Nick, Marlene and Ted.

Sam attended Grand Prairie Grade School, Calapooia Junior High, and South Albany High School. Later he attended LBCC, taking the HVAC training. Sam excelled in most sports including football, basketball, and track. At Calapooia Junior High School he held the Long Jump record for many years. Sam did various jobs throughout his life. Most of them had to do with machines. He was a self-taught washer and dryer repairman and did this for different companies and/or on his own most of his adult life. He learned to repair other appliances in other jobs he had. Many friends and family have been blessed by him fixing their appliances. But the job he was most proud of, through the Oregon Home Care Commission, was being Kathy's Home Care Worker or Caregiver.

Definitely one of Sam's hobbies was watching sports on TV. Sam and Kathy loved sports and could talk about most any sport and any team with great knowledge. Sam enjoyed wearing the orange and black OSU shirts and jackets. He would wear them until they were falling apart, especially the shirts that had his niece's name and number on them.

Sam was known for his tender-heartedness and caring spirit. He always cared about people and always wanted to help them. This heart comes from his belief that Christians should help others as Jesus did.

Sam is survived by his beloved son John McWilliams. Sam is survived by Kathy, the love of his life, for the last 24 years. Also surviving are siblings Donna McDonald(Vern), Dan McWilliams, Nick McWilliams(Dianne), Marlene McWilliams, and Ted McWilliams(Carrie). Sam loved the innocence of children and he is survived by nieces Megan Garnier, Amanda McWilliams, Allie Taylor, Lindsay Stefan, Katie Stanley and Kenzi Montoya. Also surviving are nephews Mike McDonald, Seth McWilliams, and Taylor McWilliams. Others surviving are great nieces and nephews, Effie Garnier, Lawrence and Raymond Taylor, Jasper Stefan, Easton Montoya and (last name Stanley) baby due In April.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew Jesse Daniel McWilliams.

Sam loved Jesus his Lord and the Bible. We look forward to seeing him in heaven someday.