Gartrell Sam Blackstone, 70, of Cumming, died Dec. 20, 2014.

He was born in Atlanta.

His parents, Gartrell Sam Sr. and Inez Blackstone, preceded him in death.

When able, Sam attended Cumming Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a member of the Third Army Rifle Team.

Survivors include his loving wife, Fay Cochran Shepherd Blackstone of Cumming; son, Hart and Donna with Tim of Grantville; son, Matthew and Michelle of Brunswick; son, Nathan and Ekaterina with Zachary and Addison of Cumming; sister, Joan Davis of Duluth; various other relatives also survive.

A celebration of Sam's life will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 in the chapel of McDonald and Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the service time Dec. 27 at the funeral home.

McDonald and Son Funeral Home of Cumming is in charge of the arrangements.