Samuel "Sam" Gay Christine

Samuel G “Sam” Christine

Aiken, SC – Samuel Gay Christine, “Sam,” died August 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in his sunroom, four weeks after his 90th birthday.

Born in Richmond, VA, to Dennis and Mary Christine, Sam and his family moved to Aiken in 1953 along with many other DuPont families, and just in time for his senior year of high school. Being 6’ 6”, he was quickly assigned as center for the Aiken High School basketball team. Following high school, he joined the US Army and attended Clemson College on the GI Bill. While at Clemson, Sam met the beautiful and outgoing Linda Wells, of Anderson, SC. They married on December 3, 1960 in Anderson, and immediately moved to Aiken. For the next 65 plus years, the couple was always seen together…grocery shopping, tending to their beautiful yard, caring for their mothers, and going to doctor appointments together.

Sam’s career was spent with SCE&G’s Natural Gas Department as an Engineer, spanning over 30 years. He was a member of St Paul Lutheran Church, serving on church council and many committees through the years. Tall, quiet and a true book worm like his mother, he was most admired by others for always supporting Linda in her many endeavors…work, church, and civic-related. Once retired, he became known as “Poppy, the best babysitter in the world” for his granddaughter. After Linda retired, the Christines became Master Gardeners, well-known for growing daylilies, hostas, hydrangeas; and hosting many guests in their yard. After one visit with Sam and Linda, no one was a stranger. Their yard was featured in various Aiken garden tours, and in three magazines - Southern Living, Porches and Gardens, and SC Home and Garden. They were also regional winners of a national Lowe’s Home Improvement Store All American Yard contest.

Sam had many accomplishments to be proud of…one standout was family-owned AllStar Tents and Events, founded by son-in-law Mike. Sam and Linda served as AllStar’s unofficial marketing team, donning company shirts and name tags wherever they went. Sam was also a proud Clemson supporter, evidenced by the orange AllStar shirt he was wearing on August 6th. If there was a televised football game, Sam and Linda were wearing their orange shirts and cheering from the comfort of their recliners.

In addition to Linda, his wife of 65 years, Sam is survived by his daughter Donna Fanning (Mike), his granddaughter Rebecca Fanning Cottle (Chandler), Greensboro, NC, sister Jane Christine Halford, Mt Pleasant, SC, brother Dennis Christine Jr (Diana), Indianapolis, IN, sister-in-law Emily Moore, Bladenboro, NC, and nieces and nephews who always looked up to their tall Uncle Sam.

A special thank you to the caring staff of EnHabit Hospice who helped Sam live his last two weeks at home, in his sunroom. In that space, Sam and his family, neighbors and friends were able to enjoy the magical flora and the fauna in the backyard, he and Linda created together. Most of all it was a place filled with love.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army Capital Campaign, 322 Gayle Ave NW, Aiken, SC 29801.

Cole Funeral Home & Cremation

1544 University Parkway, Aiken SC 29801

www.colefuneralhomeinc.net