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Former Commission Candidate, Community Leader Sam Archer Passes Away
July 3, 2013
Sam Archer, a longtime champion for Cantonment and surrounding areas, passed away Wednesday. He was 58.
Born on Election Day in 1954, Archer first entered the political arena in 2012 as a a leading candidate for the Escambia County Commission District 5 seat, falling just a few hundred votes shy of the Republican nomination for the position in the 2012 election.
Archer lived his entire life in Escambia County, attending Jim Allen Elementary School and graduating from Tate High in 1972. He earned an AA degree in 1974 from Pensacola Junior College and a BS degree in Education and Health Science from the University of West Florida. After college, he taught at Molino Elementary, Barrineau Park Elementary, Ransom Middle School and Tate High School.
After teaching for six years, he went to work for a petroleum marketing company, rising to the ranks of regional vice president over the Southeastern region. He later worked for UPS and managed several rental properties. In 2003, he founded Motorsports Marketing, promoting regional motorsports events.
Archer is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Karen; two children, Kari and Jeremy; two granddaughters and numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola.
Comments
65 Responses to “Former Commission Candidate, Community Leader Sam Archer Passes Away”
Prayers sent out to the archer family> He was a great man and a great leader in this community. He will truly be loved and missed..
My prayers are with the Archer family during this
most difficult time! Losing your loved one is a
rough emotional road, but know that you
have the lap of Jesus to embrace your pain
and His everlasting arms to wrap you up and
hold you! It is through the strength of the
Holy Spirit that you will withstand this loss.
Sam’s Christian witness was an inspiration to
all who knew him. He has now received his
complete and total healing and is enjoying sweet
reunion with parents and loved ones in
Heaven. You have the assurance that God is
with you this very moment in the depths of your
Heartache and that He will NEVER leave you
or forsake you. You also have the sweet
assurance that you WILL be reunited with him
one day!! The hardest part will be just missing
his presence every day. But God’s power to
comfort you remains true and sustains your
very core!
May you continue to feel God’s supernatural
Strength as you face the loss of a great,
great man and servant of our Lord!
Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family….. may God cover you with His peace and lift you up with His mercy and grace…..the Davis family sends our love……Betty
I can’t believe you’re gone Uncle Sam. I love you so much. You’re one of the best men i’ve come to known. I’m happy you’re with the Lord and in a better place. You will forever be loved and missed. I’ll see you in Heaven someday. You’ve touched everyone’s lives in many ways. Everyone always tells me how nice you were standing on the highway for hours on end, waving to people as they passed by. RIP. <3
PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ARCHER FAMILY…HE WAS A GREAT MAN HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED…….
We have had the great fortune of knowing Sam and being one of his neighbors for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out for him and to his wife and family. We will miss seeing his smiling face. Our grand children were also very fond of Sam. They still have the autographed pictures and model cars Sam gave them. God Bless you all. Phil and Brenda.
Karen, Tom and I are so sorry. I never got to meet Sam, but I know how much Beth loved him and Tom was so thankful for the times he stayed with Beth till he could get to her. We get choked up just looking at all the plaques and trophies that represent an event that Sam sponsored. He will be missed. Becky and Tom Jehle
Sam will be remembered ! He was a great , Christian man , my family’s prayers are with Karen , Kari , Jeremy and family …
I’ve known the Archer family since I was a young boy. Mr. Sam was someone that I always looked up to, and I counted him as one of my spiritual fathers. I always saw the works of Christ in his life, and he was the kindest man I’ve ever known. Even though he is no longer with us, I know he will continue to have a huge impact in my life for many years. Thank you Mr. Sam for being the person you were in my life, you did more than you know. You will never be forgotten.
Prayers and condolences for Mr Archer’s Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at yhis time of loss. Sam was always very nice to me and showed a genuine concern for our community. He will be so missed. Cliff Rooker
Karen. our heartfelt thoughts are with you and family . Just remember that you have friend and family and our God that we all can lean on. Just remember the good times and lean on your friends.
Karen: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We will miss him greatly but no more than you. We will honor him as a charter member of the “Short Pants Club.” Hmm, I wonder what street rod is he driving now? Do they have Willis in Heaven?
If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Love,
George & Dana
We will miss our neighbor and friend. God bless you Karen, children and grandchildren.
We will sure miss the “Colonel”. Our prayers & thoughts are with y’all.
I didn’t know Mr. Archer as an adult but I remember him as Coach Archer back at Molino Elem. in the late 70s. He was one of those teachers that you always remember because they were always so kind and really made you feel like you were someone special. I can recall many examples of kindness from Coach Archer back then but one comes to mind. Back then about twice a year the whole school would gather in the library and watch a movie. The movie (OliverTwist) we were going to watch had a violent scene in it. Tame by todays standards. Coach Archer was concerned and before the movie started he explained that it was only pretend and no one was really getting hurt. Then right before the scene he stopped the movie and asked if any of us kids wanted to step out until that part of the movie was over. Just a simple act of kindness but something that can stick with you for thirty-five years.
Karen, Kari and Jermey I new your father since 1st grade. at Jim Allen I grew up knowig him and he was a good man and I know that no words can bring him back, but he will all be remembered by the people who live in this area. I lost my dad in 1977 and I new Judge Archer also, just lean on God and he will help you through all this. I will be preying for you and your family. I will miss Sam, If we can help in any way Kari please call me Glenda Weekley.
Sam was a good friend and his memory will be with me forever.
I love you and may you Rest In Peace
Karen, Kari, Jeremy and family: You are in our thoughts and prayers. When we heard about Sam being in the hospital Reggie and I were praying and we are still praying. God has a plan for everything he is doing as you have told me several times in my life, Karen. We are here if you need us and please do not hesitate to call on us. We are just right down the street. Your prayers for me when I needed them altered my life path and now it is my turn. We love you, Reggie and Sharon Thompson
I had the opportunity to meet Sam when we were campaigning for the commission race. Sam is an outstanding man and will be missed by many. My condolences go out to his family.
you will be greatly missed my friend ,But I know i will see you again one day. You and i have talked many times about that grand reunion we will have one day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life.
our prayers are with karen and all the family . we have been long time friends with sam and karen. sam was a good man and will be greatly missed.
Karen Jeremy and Kari, I know your heart is broken. Terry and I have prayed for you all this week. We are sorry we are not going to be able to come hug you. I know you will lean on The Lord. He will carry you through this time. Much love
I have know Sam for nearly 8 years. He was the best. We had a lot of fun and he was a good guy. Mostly he was my friend and I will always miss him. My love and prayers go out to Karen and the kids and family.
Sam and Karen were our landlords years ago when we lived in Cantonment.
Our son Caleb was a good friend of Jeremy’s. Sam and the boys had a ton of
fun together….We are coming down for the visitation and funeral…
We love Sam and Karen and the kids. We will miss Sam’s sweet smile and
his great sense of humor…We had great times with them when we would come
“home” to visit…
Love you dearly,
Sandy Gross
High Point, NC
Sorry for your loss, may God be with you all and give you Peace and Understanding.
So sad to hear about Sam’s passing; such a good and decent man. We will really miss his positive, “get ‘er done” attitude. The memories we have of him we will certainly charish. We will be praying for you during this time.
I think often of Sam as we go back to when he was playing little league baseball in Cantonment. I always thought very highly of Sam and we had a good long conversation before the election. Sam was the epitome of a servant of the Lord. All of our lives are richer for having known Sam Archer. This comes as a shock and vast condolences to his family and the thousands of people whom Sam called friends.
Sam was my 2nd cousin. I have wonderful memories of him especially at all of the Archer reunions over the years. I held is hand in the hospital Monday and told him who I was..at that point he seemed to want to tell me something but I automatically knew what it was so I said..”Sam I know you want to say something because I can hear you saying it just as you have so many times..you want to say GOD IS GOOD”..at that time, he squeezed my hand. This is just a small testament to the faithful christian man that he was. RIP Sam you will be missed by so many but you have earned your reward in Heaven.
I went to his and Karen’s wedding.
Hope she’s holding up.
Sorry for the loss to all who knew him and cared for him.
Sam was my cousin. His daddy and mine (Lee H. Archer) were brothers. We grew up in an loving family with lots of cousins that would congregate at my memaw’s house several times a year. It was the only time we cousins all saw each other. Many of my aunts and uncles lived away from here. I remember many holidays with Sam, Mary and Monte (sisters) as a child. Later in life, Sam would always have the Archer Family Reunion at his house in Cantonment the first weekend in November. It was work for him and Karen, but they did it lovingly. I will miss him and send prayers to Karen, Kari and Jeremy.
I meet Sam at a car show in 2007 in Milton
Proud to call him my friend ever since then
Sam Archer is a class act and will be missed
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. While growing up, I lived across the street from Sam for many years. He is a friend that will be missed.
I met Sam at car shows years ago, and we became friends, it was always great to see him. I will truly miss Sam.
Blessed to have known such a great man of God. He will be missed by many. Thank you Lord for letting him be part of my life! Mrs.Karen, my family will be praying for God’s peace and his loving arms around you.
I am so sorry for the loss of Sam Archer. We didn’t know him personally but I got a wave from him every morning on the corner of Pine Cone Road before the election. He always had a smile on his face and it made my mornings on the way to work a little brighter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Mister Archer will always be remembered as a great human. I know he is in heaven praising with our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Archer family have been my friends for many years. I met Sam and his family in the 70s and quickly realized the impact his mother and dad ( judge Archer) had in this area. Mrs Archer was involved in the God in government prayer breakfast each year along with my dear friends bro. And sister Bolten. Sam will be deeply missed in this county.
Thank you for the kind, positive article about my brother in Christ, Sam Archer. I have known Sam, Karen, Kari, & Jeremy for over 35 years. Sam loved the Lord and was a faithful member of our church for that long. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. I know he is enjoying Heaven with Jesus and all of his family and friends that are already there. We love you and will miss you.
The Archer Family loss will be shared by many. Our annual car show at Lillian United Methodist Church will not be the same without Sam’s presence. He was so helpful when we began in 2003 and supported us every year. Can’t wait to see his next shows. May you now enjoy God’s blessings.
Sam was a great man and role model, I will truly miss him and will keep Karen and the family in my prayers.
Sam was my nefew and a very fine human being. I knew him from birth and always loved him for his stand for what was right. I will miss him and my love to Karen and the children.
I met Sam in 2001 at one of my first car shows.He greeted me with open arms then and that remained the same for all these years.He is truly a person of love and giving. I will miss you Sam.
Tom and I want to let you know that you all are in our prayers. Sam was a very fine Christian gentleman, and will be surely missed. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you all, and hold you close…giving you comfort.
Karen and family, you are in our prayers. Sam was a good man and we were proud to call him our friend. We have many fond memories of baseball at Cantonment and NEP. Hang tough and keep the faith
Love and prayer, Terry and Cathy Anderson
Such a great man of God and now he is running the streets of Gold. Praying for his whole family.
Just heard of Sam’s passing at payer meeting tonight. Thinking of you Karen and family, Praying for you as you go through this valley, May the God that we serve comfort and keep you.
Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers during this tragic time. I know you will draw your strength from the Lord. His ways are higher than our ways. There are times we do not understand but we continue to trust Him.
Sam was a true assest to this community. This family is proud to have known him. We will miss him very much. Our family is praying for his family. We are all gonna miss that great smile of his. God Bless you Sam Archer and God Bless your family.
Our thoughts and prayers to Karen and family- RIP Sam.
Kari, Kenzi and The Archer Family, So sad to learn of your loss. Mr. Sam was an asset to our community. We will be praying for y’all!
I am sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Sam was a good man. He will be missed by many. Prayers to the entire family.
Our hearts are heavy and full of love for the Archer family. This was a true gentleman, friend and father. One in a million. He would do anything for any one. We were lucky to know such a fine person. Sa Archer will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Archer family during this time of sorrow.
We always enjoyed seeing Sam at the car shows and talking to him.
We would take our 1956 Chev green Pickup to the car shows and Sam would always tell us how much he liked our truck. We will miss him and he was a really true friend. May God give you strength during this time and the days that
are ahead. We know that Sam is with Jesus now.
Friends Always,
Wayne & Sheila Ciccone
Proud to have known him; prouder still to have called him friend. Love and prayers to his family. Until we see you again…
Sorry to hear this sad news. Sammy will be missed. I have many good memories of the days spent at Tate High School with him. My heart felt sympathies to the Archer family and the many friends I know he had.
So sorry hear of the passing of Sam. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
We are saddened at the passing of our friend Sam….our prayers are with you and the family Karen. There are so many ways to describe Sam , and they are all good. He always met you with a smile on his face and was indeed a kind man. He will be missed by many. It is with great joy that we know where Sam will spend eternity, and I know that is a comfort to his family, however we also know they will miss him every day.
John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Love You Guys….David, Ramona and Ben
To be absent in body, is to PRESENT WITH THE LORD!!! He will truly be missed! Praying for family at this time!! May God give you PEACE, knowing that Mr Sam is walking down the golden path talking with Jesus!!
Kinda Envious!
RIP Sam!
My son and I loved coming to the car shows and seeing your amazing cars. You were always so friendly and welcomed all the young ones to check out your “cool cars”. Thank you for being an awesome man, you will be missed!
Prayers to the family!
Karen, our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family,love you Pat.
This is a very sad day for our community and The Archer Family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a sweet man. Praying for peace for the Archer family. God Bless!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Archer family. Mr. Sam was a great man, never a dull moment when he was around. He will truly be missed.
Prayers go out for his Family…Mr Archer was a great man. He will truly be missed.