Sammy J. McCormick, age 87, passed away on February 24, 2021, at a local hospital.

He was born to William Denny and Dora Edna (Phifer) McCormick on January 9, 1934, in White County, TN.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1960 as a member of the 82 ^nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (he jumped out of perfectly good airplanes!).  He continued his service to his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He worked in various manufacturing positions after leaving the military and finally found his passion, serving his community as a firefighter.  He retired as a lieutenant from the Signal Mountain, TN, Fire Department after 21 years of service.

After he retired from full time work, he continued to serve the community through the ownership and operation of his lawncare service until May of 2013.

He was a member of River Church and Cop Church Chattanooga both located in Chattanooga, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Elise Davis, and Helen Aricks, and one brother Ernest McCormick.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, June McCormick; his children: Lois Breeden of Chattanooga, TN; William "Bill" and wife Serena McCormick of San Antonio, TX; Debra and her husband Joe Gates of Hixson, TN; Beth and her husband Ed Bradley of Chattanooga, TN; and Samuel and wife Deborah McCormick of Chattanooga, TN; Six Grandchildren, three step grandchildren, Ten great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren; Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be on March 16, 2021, from 4:30 – 6:00 PM ET followed by a memorial service at 6:30 PM ET at the Metro Tabernacle (Cop Church Chattanooga) located at 2102 Shepherd Road, Chattanooga, TN.

Interment will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2:30 PM ET on March 17, 2021.

The services will be officiated by Shannon Greer, pastor of River Church, and Jonathan Parker, pastor of COP Church Chattanooga.