Samuel James Renfro

1947 - 2019

Samuel James Renfro, formerly of Harriman, Crossville and Baxter, left this earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father Monday, April 8, 2019.
Sammy was born June 12, 1947, in Chattanooga to parents, Samuel Marion Renfro and Minnie Ann Walker, who predeceased him. He grew up in Harriman; and for many years in the 1950s and 1960s, his parents Sam and Minnie operated Renfro's Restaurant there. Sam was known locally, regionally and nationally for his automotive engineering and racing skills. He won many races in the 1960s with his Chevys at Harriman Drag Strip and regional dragways. His all-time favorite car, an Aztec bronze Chevy II ("Nova SS 327-350HP close ratio Muncie 4-speed 456 gear AA/Stock"), was undefeated in competition. He won the NHRA world championship in Super Stock Eliminator with a black/silver Camaro in 1968 at the Spring Nationals held at Bristol Motor Speedway. Sam worked as an engine specialist in NASCAR focusing on qualifying engine performance and enjoyed the camaraderie of racing greats Dale Earnhardt, Joe Gibbs, Alan Kulwicki, Richard Childress, Smokey Yunick and Junior Johnson, among others. Sam was a three-time USCMT national champion, and he was manager of Harriman Drag Strip, 411 International Raceway, Maryville Speedway and Crossville Speedway. In the 1980s, Sam worked with Joe Lunati in designing Lunati camshafts, known for their quality and performance. In later years, Sam's business, Guardian Performance Technology in Baxter, was well-known; he operated as an independent automotive engineering consultant and built high-performance engines for numerous regional racing champions. Sam was an expert marksman and a certified NRA instructor. He was also in law enforcement and a member of the Memphis FBI Swat Team, placing first in the Southeast Regional Swat Team Competition in 1979. Sam was proud of his Southern heritage and advocated preservation of Confederacy history and honor. He was a staunch advocate of the Second Amendment and loved America. Sam always had an opinion and stood his ground. Facebook will now have one fewer "friend" to put in "Facebook Jail." At times he could be a bit brusque on the outside, but inside Sam had a loving, caring, giving, tender heart. Computer and telephone traffic will be significantly diminished in Sam's absence since he loved keeping in touch with his many friends. He was known for his wit and dry sense of humor and could entertain family and friends with detailed oratory of events and milestones in his storied careers. Sam lived life his way and was truly one-of-a-kind.
Sam is survived by his sister, Betty Fritts of Harriman; daughter, Samantha Royster (Jim) of Oak Ridge; son, Chris Renfro of Knoxville; daughter, Tina Fox of Harriman; grandsons, Brandon Bunch (Josie) of Oak Ridge, Adam Bunch of Clinton, and Ryne Norris of Harriman; granddaughter, Savannah Norris of Crystal Springs, Fla.; great grandsons, Liam and Leif Bunch of Oak Ridge; cousin, Johnny Pemberton of Kingston; nieces, Robin Bryant and Rhonda Melton of Harriman; nephew, Lloyd Fritts of Knoxville; grandnieces, Brooke Kelley, Morgan James and Lindsey Bryant of Harriman; long-time friend, David Clark of Harriman; numerous cousins and other relatives, many social media and other friends and Janice Whittaker Blaylock.
Sam was also known for the love and care he showered on all his pets. His long-time companion, yellow labrador retriever Abagail, preceded him in death. Memoriams in Sam's honor can be donated to Secret City Animal Rescue (SCAR), 969 Oak Ridge Turnpike 331, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or Pleasant Hill Pet Rescue and Senior Sanctuary, 433 Pleasant Hill Road, Blountville, TN 37617, or an animal rescue of your choice; or the Princess Theatre in Harriman.
Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is assisting with announcements and arrangements. A celebration of life memorial service in Sam's honor will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the Princess Theatre located at 421 North Roane Street in Harriman. Eulogy will be given by long-time friend and surrogate son, Grant Rimback, who is an elder of Rio Revolution Church in Maryville. Afterward, one of Sam's favorite movies, Thunder Road, will be shown on the big screen with popcorn and drinks provided.