It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Sam Wingo Fuller, 82, of Savannah, Georgia, on September 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Born on March 7, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sam moved with his family to New Prospect, South Carolina, when he was six years old. It was there, surrounded by the close-knit community of his mother’s hometown, that he spent most of his childhood, developing a lifelong curiosity about the past that would shape his future. He graduated from Chapman High School and went on to attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, where his interest in historical studies deepened. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he returned to Chapman High School to share his passion for history and government as a teacher.

Sam furthered his education by earning both his Master’s and Education Specialist’s degrees and went on to dedicate his life to the field of education. After teaching, he served as the longtime principal of Inman Elementary School. He also worked with the New Principals’ Academy at the South Carolina Department of Education, where he mentored future school leaders. Later, he retired as principal of Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School. 

After retiring from the state of South Carolina, Sam continued his career in educational software sales, where he enjoyed traveling across the country, connecting with educators, and sharing his expertise.  It was through this work that he discovered the city that truly captured his heart—Savannah, Georgia. He fell in love with every aspect of Lowcountry life–from the Spanish moss draping the live oak trees to savoring oysters on the half shell whenever possible. 

Beyond his career, Sam was a devoted husband and father. He and the love of his life, Teresa, shared nearly 30 wonderful years together, treasuring every moment with their only child, Savannah. Anyone who knew Sam would tell you that Savannah was the absolute light of his life, bringing him endless joy and pride.

Sam had an unmatched appreciation for life’s simplest, most beautiful moments. He found magic in the salty breeze of a Tybee Island sunset and the quiet wonder of a full moon rising over the water. Evenings at the family’s 1923 Savannah home were his favorite—cocktail in hand, laughter echoing through the old walls, and stories flowing as easily as the drinks. A born storyteller and devoted history buff, Sam could weave a tale that made the past feel alive and personal, connecting generations with a sparkle in his eye and a touch of humor only he could deliver.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Teresa Clark Fuller, and his daughter, Savannah Elizabeth Fuller; his brother, Gary Fuller (Barbara); mother-in-law, Frances C. Ross (Fletcher); sister-in-law, Beverly C. Scott (Jeff); and brother-in-law, Jerry Clark. He is also lovingly remembered by his nephews and niece, Tim Fuller, Stephen Fuller, Jay Fuller, Evan Clark, Zachary Scott and Sydney Scott, as well as his great-nieces and great-nephew.

In addition to his parents, Bertie Wingo Fuller and Hayes Thomas Fuller, Sam was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Lisa Boney Clark, and father-in-law, Wayne Clark.

A joyful celebration of Sam’s life will be held at a future date to honor his memory and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in his memory.

Sam was truly one-of-a-kind, steadfast in his principles, and, as his favorite Frank Sinatra song reminds us, he could always say, “I did it my way!”