Colonel Sam Shannon, Jr. (Ret.)

Augusta, GA – Sam Shannon was born the middle child of nine (9) to Sam Shannon, Sr. and Roberta Shannon in Palmetto, Florida. He attended Lincoln Memorial High School, graduating in 1953. He then attended Florida A&M University (FAMU), graduating with a degree in Pharmacy. While at FAMU, Sam was a cadet in the Army ROTC program. Following graduation in 1959 and a year of pharmacy certification, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of full colonel before retiring in 1990. The military and pharmacy would be his life’s work. Following his commission, he was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, and from there, various other assignments including Ft. Lee, VA; Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; and Tripler Hospital in Honolulu, HI. He was also stationed overseas in Nuremberg, Germany, and Seoul, South Korea. One of his favorite assignments, where he chose to end his more than 30-year career, was Ft. Gordon in Augusta, GA. Sam was one of the leading pharmacists in the army, bringing many innovations to the pharmacy service during his 30 years of service.

He enjoyed teaching his boys about God, fishing, and sports. Sam always encouraged his three boys - Reggie, Michael, and Eric - to follow their dreams, do their best, and never give up. He instilled a work ethic in his children that nothing is free in this world except God’s grace. You appreciate it more if you earn it, he would say. 

Following his retirement, Sam went on to manage properties and play golf. He was frequently seen at the Ft. Gordon gym outperforming younger people in the aerobics classes. He was involved in church activities at Barnes Avenue Friendship Chapel before moving to Bicentennial Chapel.

Sam is survived by his sons: Sam Reggie Shannon (Phyllis “Gigi”), Michael Stuart Shannon (Venus), and Eric Eugene Shannon; siblings: Dr. Larry R. Shannon (Velma), Betty J. Jones, and Reverend Ervin Shannon (Emma); grandchildren: Logan Barrett Shannon, Joanna Delaney Holmes (Jose), Michael Shannon, II, Devyn Shannon, Tristan Shannon, Shelby Shannon, and Kelsey Shannon; and great-granddaughter, Harper Michelle Shannon. In addition, Sam is survived by two stepchildren: Anthony Miller (Deanna) and Deborah Miller Pennington (Brian), step grandson, Noah, two devoted friends - David Cofer (Gloria) and Johnny Harper (Karen), and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, great friends, and loved ones.

Sam had the good fortune of having two wives that he loved very much, both of whom preceded him in death: Marjorie “Margie” Fowlkes Shannon, mother of his children - who passed away in May 2008; and more recently, Manuela “Bunchie” Miller Shannon who passed away in July 2022.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in the

chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the College of Pharmacy at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.

The service may been watched via live stream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxMjA3OTc3MTMwMjc4NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907