James Samuel “Sam” Brown, 78, of Dawson died at his residence on Saturday, June 2, 2012. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Harvey Funeral Chapel at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Eddie Braswell and Rev. Mike Davis officiating. Visitation will be held following the memorial service at Harvey Funeral Home.

Sam was born in Richland, Georgia on January 6, 1934, son of the late James Irby Brown and Myra Bruce Brown. He lived most of his life in Dawson, attended schools here and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1957 with a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Economics.

He and his late beloved wife, Beth Tolar Brown, owned and operated Terrell Cleaners in Dawson for many years and later purchased Bishop Laundry & Cleaners in Albany.

Sam was a devoted member of the Dawson United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Berean Sunday School Class, he served on the Board of Trustees for 20 years, and he took care of securing the church (opening and closing, lights, heat and air conditioning) on Sundays for 40 plus years. He was member of the P. T. Schley Masonic Lodge, #229 and a former member of the Gideons International.

Survivors include his daughter, Lee Brown of Albany, son, James Irby “ J.I.” Brown and his wife, Paula of Albany, two grandchildren, Mason Brown and Marlee Brown of Albany, and his adopted family , Robert and Kim Gilliam and their children, Katelyn and Colby of Albany. Memorials may be made to the Dawson United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 167, Dawson, GA 39842.