Samuel Dennis Motley II

A Celebration of Life for Sam will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Evergreen Church in Ashville, Alabama. Visitation will be held from 10:30 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M.

Samuel Dennis Motley II (Sam) passed away, peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Ascension Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.

He was born in Holt, Alabama on December 12, 1938 to Dr. Jewett P. Motley and Elinor Scull Motley.

Sam was raised in Ensley, Alabama. 

As a youth, you could always expect Sam to have a ball in his hands whether it be a football, basketball, or baseball; he loved all sports!

He graduated from Ensley High School as part of the January Class of 1957.

He also attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Sam proudly served in the United States Army, and U. S. Army Reserves from 1958-1964. He was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone and achieved the Rank of E-6 Sta Sergeant. 

After completing his responsibilities to the Army, Sam went to work at Sears & Roebuck. He started as a Sporting Goods Sales Representative and quickly moved up through the ranks to become the Store Manager of the new Catalog Store in CenterPoint, Alabama in the early 70’s.

He spent several years as a successful Automobile Sales Rep., then Real Estate Agent, both in Birmingham, Alabama. 

In 1980 he remarried and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia.

Here he changed career paths and started working in the Petroleum tank testing industry where he installed and monitored equipment to clean contaminated soil from petroleum spills. After that he owned and operated SD Demolition, a demolition and asbestos abatement company until retirement. 

Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman and loved fishing with friends and family.

He was a huge fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football. Roll Tide! He was an exceptional cook, enjoyed a good Martini and always had an ‘open door’ policy for “Neighborhood Happy Hour” on Friday evenings. 

Sam was preceded in death by his Parents and wife Vicki Noel Motley of Marietta, GA. Survived by his sisters, Linda Motley of Atlanta, Ga. and Elinor J. Scull (KC) of Phoenix, Arizona. Daughter, Pat Motley of Ashville, Alabama. Sons, Samuel D. (Buddy) Motley Jr. (Leigh Ann) of Birmingham, Alabama, Richard Noel (Thanh) of Marietta, Georgia, Donnie Noel (Tracy) of Winfield, Alabama. Grandchildren, Jennifer Motley of Birmingham, Alabama, Kadie Motley of Vincent, Alabama, Joseph Motley of Ashville, Alabama, Mathew Noel of Atlanta, Georgia and Lindsay Noel of Las Vegas, Nevada. Great Grandchildren, Tyler Hayes of Birmingham, Alabama, and Brooklyn Albanese of Vincent, Alabama.

Also survived by several Nieces and Nephews that truly loved their “Uncle Sam”. 

A special thanks to Margaret (Maggie) Loar, Sam’s first wife. They reconnected and spent the last years of his life…living, laughing, traveling and loving until his passing.

Also, thanks to Ernestine Thompson, Everette Washington, Jennifer Motley, and the Fairhaven Nursing Home SCALF LPN’s, CNA’s and Homemakers for the care and compassion shown during the last few months. 

Sam lived his life to the fullest. His compassionate soul, sense of humor, and the ability to forgive and forget endeared him to all who knew him. He modeled the characteristics of generosity and acceptance. 

His absence leaves a void in the hearts of all that knew him, but his memory will be forever cherished. May he rest knowing he was loved and will be deeply missed.