Samuel Ray Hadaway

1952-2023

Samuel Ray Hadaway, from Auburn, passed away, unexpectedly, on February 15th, 2023 at EAMC. The services will be Monday February 20th at Fredrick Dean Funeral Home in Opelika. Visitation 5pm-6:45pm and service to immediately follow.

Samuel, known by his family and friends as Sammy or Grinch was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Nettie Hadaway, father in law Albert "Red" Hagans, brothers David, Tony and Randy Hadaway, sister in law Dolores Folds, brother in law Lee Elder and nephew Phillip Hadaway II.

He leaves behind his wife Kristina Hagans Hadaway, mother in law Gerda Hagans, daughter Heidi (Kevin) Marlin, grandsons Hagan and Austin Marlin, brothers & sisters Nell (Kenny) Manley, Tommy (Kathy) Hadaway, Nancy Elder, Claris Meall, Phillip (Mary Ann) Hadaway, Mark (Sam) Hadaway, Teresa (Brian) Baker, sister in law Cherl Hadaway, brother in law George Folds, nieces & nephews Chris, Scott and Jon Manley, Sherry Oltz, Wesley and Brandon Hadaway, Shelly Fitzwater, Brian Elder, Michael and David Meall, Ricky and Josh Hadaway, Mandy Love, Michael Hadaway, Cortney Tatum, Anthony Hadaway, Bill Hadaway, Francis Prince, Miranda Rollins, Katie Scott, Jared Baker, Melanie Hocevar, Cameron Folds, Camryn and Brayden Smith and numerous cousins, other family and so many friends.

Sammy was born in Atlanta, GA May 4th, 1952. He was raised in Lee County, AL and met his wife of over 49 years in Auburn. He worked at West Point Pepperell for 31 years and later at Holt Fire for over 10 years.

Sammy enjoyed riding horses, talking about his grandsons, going to casinos and doting on his wife. He loved Auburn, win or lose. He loved laughing and joking around and making people smile. Sammy had a special gift of turning everyone he met into a friend. He was lovingly called Grinch by his grandsons and all of their friends. Two of his favorite things to do was carrying on his mother's tradition of being "The Witch" on Halloween and decorating the yard for Christmas.

Sammy will be missed, beyond belief, by his wife, family and too many friends to begin to mention by name, and his dogs Rufus, Pebbles & Bamm Bamm. His wife is sure he was met at the Gates of Heaven by Dolores and his horse, Tahoe, and happily reuniting with all his family, friends and pets that passed before him. That thought makes his wife smile.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.