Samuel H. Williams

Samuel H. Williams Jr., 81, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, September 4, 2026.

Sam grew up in Reading, MA, and spent his summers at his family’s vacation home on the shores of Falmouth Heights on Cape Cod. His high school years were spent at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Babson College. After graduation, Sam served as a Quartermaster in the United States Navy from 1968–1971.

Sam moved to Franconia, NH, in 1972, where he worked as an innkeeper at Lovett’s Inn. Many wonderful connections were made, and this is where he met his future wife, Barbara, and her three children. They were married in 1984 and settled into their new home in the White Mountains. Sam and Barbara were true partners in life and enjoyed a loving and prosperous 42-year marriage. Sam embraced Barbara’s children as his own, and he loved them dearly, as they did him.

Sam established a career as a Production Control Manager with Burndy Corporation in Lincoln, NH, manufacturing heavy-duty electrical connectors and grounding solutions used by utility, industrial, and commercial markets. Sam was an integral part of Burndy Corporation for over thirty years before his retirement. Throughout his working career, as well as during his time in the Navy, Sam earned the deep respect of his co-workers and fellow officers for his professionalism, integrity, strength of character, leadership, and work ethic.

In 1992, Sam and Barbara purchased a vacation home in their much-loved town of Falmouth, MA. Their homes in New Hampshire and Cape Cod served as gathering places for family holidays and get-togethers, where so many happy and lifelong memories were made. Many such memories are centered around Sam’s wonderfully clever sense of humor and the countless delicious family meals he prepared. Sam was an avid gardener, and his creativity and meticulous attention to detail created truly one-of-a-kind landscapes at both homes.

Sam was truly authentic, an inspirational trait admired greatly by those who knew him best. Sam, or “GrumpS,” as he was known by his family, will be remembered by his loved ones as being selflessly dedicated to his family. Sam was a true gentleman in every sense of the word—treating everyone with respect and courtesy. He was highly intelligent, well-read, articulate, and a great listener and conversationalist. Sam loved to learn, and he never stopped pursuing activities, games, and hobbies that challenged him intellectually.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Williams; children, Cindy Sullivan (Joseph), Robin Leonard, and Michael Leonard (Brandy Page); grandsons, William Sullivan and Brendan Sullivan (Hailey); and great-grandson, Godric Sullivan. He is also survived by his dear friend, Richard Leonard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Coombs Williams and Samuel H. Williams, Sr.; and sisters, Leslie Newman and Deborah Morton.

In accordance with his wishes, services will be private.

The family would like to thank Wren Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Wren Hospice, 7410 Northside Drive, Suite 280, N. Charleston, SC 29420

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.