1922 – 2013
Samuel Jason McGrew passed away on August 15, 2013 at his home in Pensacola FL, at age 91. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Norma Elaine McGrew. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Henry McGrew and Juanita Fontaine McGrew and his brother, Henry C. McGrew. He is survived by his four children: Bonnie McGrew Miller, Samuel Jay McGrew, Grady Calvert McGrew, Christine McGrew King and her husband, Don King. Grandchildren: Kelsey Elaine McGrew Walsdorf, Samuel Jason McGrew, III and Donald Leroy King Jr. and three nephews: Eric, Daren, and Justin McGrew.
Sam was born and raised in New Orleans, LA where he attended Alcee Fortier and Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, LA. While attending Tulane University he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity (five generations) and the Naval ROTC. He was called to war in 1944. He participated in the invasion of Leyte, serving on LCT 822, and was on the beach when Gen. McArthur landed on Oct 20, 1944. He mentioned taking American Navaho Indian code-talkers to an island invasion. While still at war, he transferred to the Submarine service, where he served on six diesel subs. Campaign awards include American Theater, Asiatic Theater, Philippine Liberation, Philippine Presidential Citation, National Defense Service Medal, WW II and Korean. After the war, he met his bride, Elaine Sandberg, at the U.S. Submarine Base in New London, CT. Sam and Elaine returned to New Orleans to raise their family. Sam worked for FHA and then retired from HUD where he traveled across the country providing housing for victims of natural disasters. He also enjoyed his volunteer work assisting Coach Vince Gibson for Tulane’s Football team. In later years, he was active with the U.S. Submarine Veterans and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. The McGrews were members of New Orleans Bible Church for many years. Sam enjoyed spreading the Gospel through the ministry of The Gideons International. Sam will be greatly missed and long remembered for his strength of character, loving spirit, and most of all for being humorous to a fault.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 19, 2013 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Interment to follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairiecom.
Published in The Times-Picayune from August 16 to August 18, 2013