Samuel Wesley Esslinger was born January 8, 1924 in Florence, Alabama to Samuel W. Esslinger, Sr. and Oline Grissom Esslinger. He died at home May 29, 2012 after an extended illness.
Sam graduated from Coffee High School and The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee with a B.A. in Economics. During World War II he volunteered and served in the Navy, V-12 Program, was commissioned and assigned to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. After his discharge he returned to Sewanee and completed his degree.
He was employed by Crawford and Company Insurance Adjusters and was Manager of the Florence office from 1953 until he retired.
Sam was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Florence. He formerly served on the Florence Civil Service Board and Water Board and was a member of the Exchange Club, Alabama Claims Association, SEA fraternity and a charter member of Turtle Point. He recently enjoyed meeting with the ROMEOS (retired old men eating out) lunch group.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Martha (Mopsy) Tanksley Esslinger; his children Sam Esslinger III (Roberta) of Dunlap, Tennessee, Nancy Brock (Art) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mary V. Esslinger of Pensacola, Florida, Bill Esslinger of Tampa, Florida and Emily Rogers (Howard) of Roswell, Georgia; his grandsons Wesley, Philip and Jay Brock, Nick and Ben Rogers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Esslinger and his wife Janella Stevens Esslinger.
The family will have a memorial service at a later date.
His family is most appreciative to Hospice of the Shoals, Eldercare Services, caregivers Cora and Sandy and Drs. McFall, Morris and Webb.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Shoals.