Samuel Zemurray III passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah on Saturday, October 6, 2018. He was a native of New Orleans and was a graduate of the Webb School in California and Tulane University. His interest in shipping brought him to Savannah in the early 70's. While in Savannah his childhood love of farming quickly resurfaced and he established himself as a leader within the Effingham County community by purchasing historic Honey Ridge Plantation and began restoring the 310 acre property. He developed one of the most prestigious Polled Hereford cattle operations in the State and pioneered the use of invitro fertilization in calving operations and was named to the Georgia Hereford Hall of Fame in 2016. He was past President of the Georgia Hereford Association and a former member of National Committee of Vision 2000 and established scholarships to further the education of Effingham County graduates interested in pursuing agriculture-related fields of study and careers. He devoted his time and talents to strengthening the initiatives put forth by the Georgia 4H and Effingham County Future Farmers of America Chapter since 1978. In 2006, he transferred Honey Ridge Plantation and cattle to the Effingham County Board of Education to provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage on farming activities. His generosity was present throughout the community and was a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Bethesda Home for Boys. In 2018, Governor Nathan Deal awarded him the John Adam Treutlen Award for his contributions to the local community. He was an ardent supporter of the Georgia Conservancy, The New Ebenezer Trust, Habitat for Humanity and other charities.

He was a member of St. Johns Church and he is survived by his wife Patricia Watson Zemurray, and his brother Gaston Louis Leneaux. He was predeceased by his sister Anne Zemurray Hammett.

The Burial Office for Samuel Zemurray III will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11th at St. Johns Church, 1 West Macon Street, Savannah, Georgia, with Fr. Craig O'Brien and Fr. Gavin Dunbar officiating. A reception will be held immediately following in the Green Meldrim House. There will be a private burial for family after the reception.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah or St. John's Church.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Savannah Morning News on Oct. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Zemurray

11 Entries

Harlan Simon

April 10, 2021

What a blessing that the legacy of Sam Zemurray I thru Sam III became conservancy. As was the grandfather’s (“Sam the banana man”) Jewish tradition would have it, may this Sam’s memory be a blessing (“Zichrona Livracha”)
Harlan Simon

Gertrude Weinberger-Biondo

October 18, 2018

Dearest Zemurray family,
We offer heartfelt sympathies for our cousin Sam. I only had to opportunity to meet him as a child at my Uncle Sam &Aunt Sarah's home on Audubon place. We pray for your family to find peace in prayers sent to you from your New Orleans family.

Court Hazelton

October 15, 2018

Sam,
All your friends from the Webb School will miss your gentle nature and sly sense of humor. You have given us many great memories since our first meeting in 1958. At least we have had the pleasure of your company for all these years and will cherish them forever. Pat, we are sorry for your loss; if we can be of some assistance, please call on us.

Bill McIlrath, Jr.

October 11, 2018

"Mr. Sam" has been a longtime friend of our family, and we will miss him greatly. He was a tireless supporter of the Registered Polled Hereford herd that my Dad worked to develop at Bethesda Home for Boys between 1988 and 2008. He was generous with his time, resources, and connections throughout the state and country. He was also kind and supportive - especially in crisis. When my Mom (Sally) was critically injured in a 1984 car accident, Sam was there. When we suffered hurricane damage or other natural disasters at Bethesda, Sam was there. When my Dad (Bill) was at the end of a year long battle with cancer in 2017, Sam was there. He made a lasting impression on the Savannah and Effingham communities, and he will be missed. Our prayers are with Ms. Pat and the rest of his family at this time.

Bill McIlrath, Jr. (for the McIlrath family)

Joe Carroll

October 10, 2018

Sam,

"Z" I am writing this as though I am talking to you.

I just want you to know how much I enjoyed our younger days in New Orleans and visiting you in Savannah.

Have a good trip my friend, I will miss you.

Please tell Pat to take care.

Joe

Cornel & Camille Mock

October 10, 2018

Mrs. Zemurray we were so sorry to read about the loss of Mr. Sam.I will always remember he and our son always allowed the youth to show one or more of their registered cows.He will be missed.
Cornell & Camille Mock

James Moore

October 9, 2018

Dear Ms Zemurray. I am so sorry for the lose of Sam. He was a good man and was loved by many. I will miss him very much. You will be in my heart and prayers during this hard time. I am sorry for the lose of Sam and I wish you all the best. Jim Moore (MotherBoards Tech)

Debbie Barr Starling

October 9, 2018

Mrs. Zemurray I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Sam will always be remembered as a sweet and kind gentleman. He and my dad are together now discussing cows and trucks.

October 9, 2018

Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for God to see you through the difficult days ahead.

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