Samuel Edward Dennis, 73, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia.

Born on April 4, 1952, in Salisbury, Maryland, Sam lived a life marked by service, dedication to friendship, and radical love for his family. He began his path of service at the Naval Aviator Preparatory School from 1970 to 1971 and went on to attend the United States Naval Academy from 1971 to 1975, where he proudly played soccer all four years. Sam served his country as a naval officer, flying A7’s off USS Constellation CV-64, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Following his military service, Sam built a long and successful career as a FedEx pilot from 1986 to 2016, flying many aircraft and retiring as a 777 captain. His years of commitment reflected the same values that defined his life: discipline, loyalty, and integrity. As he would always tell his daughters, he only worked for two people in his life: Uncle Sam and Fred Smith. Sam loved his career in aviation, often telling others to “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Sam was first and foremost a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his three daughters: Caroline (Chris), Sarah (Sam), and Susannah (Megan); and his stepdaughter Jane (Andy). He was the proud ‘Papa’ to seven grandchildren: Walker, Sammy, Henry, Clara Jane, Hank, Eloise, and Calloway, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride. He was so cherished that each of his daughters honored him by naming their first sons Samuel, either as a first or middle name. 

In addition to his daughters, Sam is survived by his siblings, Carolyn, George (Jinny), William (Robin), David (Kelly), and Susan (Paul) along with dozens of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Dennis, and his beloved mother, Eunice Brittingham Dennis. Also passing before Sam were his brothers Willis Lee, Jimmy, Curt, and Phillip, and his sister Jeanne. 

Sam had a joy for cooking. He loved to host friends and family at his home, feeding them delicious meals. Sam spent weeks (sometimes months) at a time visiting his daughters in Montana and Oregon. He found his greatest happiness in bringing his family together and took exceptional care of the people he loved. Known for his generosity and kind heart, Sam gave freely of himself to others and made everyone feel welcome and valued.

Sam will be remembered as a wonderful man whose life was shaped by service, hard work, and love. His legacy lives on through his daughters and grandchildren, and in the many lives he touched with his warmth, loyalty, and generosity.

Services for Sam have not yet been finalized, but will take place at the United States Naval Academy. He will be interred at the Dennis Family Cemetery in Willards, Maryland.