Colonel Samuel "Sam" Brick

A decorated Army officer, gifted attorney, and devoted family man, passed away on July 19, 2025, at age 83, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Baltimore, MD in 1942, Sam grew up in Roland Park and graduated from Loyola High School, where he found his lifelong passion for lacrosse. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1964. He played varsity lacrosse and was active in campus life.
After earning his law degree, Sam was drafted and trained for Vietnam at Fort Polk's Tigerland - until someone noticed he was a lawyer. Promoted from Private to JAG Captain, he served as Command Judge Advocate in Saigon, later chronicling his service in his memoir, Boots and the Law.
His federal career included roles as Chief Legislative Counsel for the Army and Director of Legislative Reference for the Secretary of Defense. He volunteered for active duty during the Gulf War and retired as a colonel. He received the Legion of Merit, notably for his civilian service.
Sam loved coaching youth sports, cheering on the Orioles, and summer trips to the beach, usually in an Army fatigue jacket, digging trenches for the kids. Most of all, he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Carole Potar; children Morgan, Alex, Nathan, Berin, and Jennifer; and 17 grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m., Friday, July 25, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.
The funeral service for Colonel Brick will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 26, at St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church, 6408 Bridgewood Rd, Columbia, SC 29206, with The Reverend Charles J. Smith officiating. A reception will follow the funeral service at the family residence. Burial with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America SC State Council.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.