Samuel Robert Janis

Sam Janis, who referred to himself as “the main sugar bear,” was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and died on November 18, 2022. He was pretty old. He enjoyed a great life, especially with his wife, Bettye, to whom he was married for over 49 years. He had two favorite daughters, Corrie Moncrief (husband Ben) and Mandi Stewart (husband Chris). They were and are great daughters. They provided 3 grandchildren, Ellie, Benjamin, and Andrew. Sam enjoyed all of their company very much. Sam entered into the Christian faith while in college and always cherished his church community. He trusts he is now with Jesus the Saviour. Our dad took care of us even in his death by writing the preceding words, and since he noted a revision wouldn’t bother him much, we, his favorite daughters, offer this addendum: Sam overcame many, many family struggles to earn a full scholarship to and graduate from Carnegie Mellon University, training as a metallurgical engineer, and later at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a pastor for a short time and had a career at General Motors, then Delphi, for 27 years, relocating to Decatur so that he could stop shoveling snow. He was highly analytical and accomplished - proudly a Six Sigma Black Belt and a Shainin Master. He was a faithful member of our family’s church, Wesley Memorial UMC, for nearly 40 years. He was a family man - prioritizing extended family and devoted to creating a lively homelife, chronicled in our annual Christmas letter. He enjoyed a lifelong golf game and was also a tennis and racquetball player. Upon his retirement, he played a LOT of golf - delighting in each round, enjoying the company of his golf partners, reveling in the beauty of a course, and recently reporting he had perfected his swing. He and mom found a variety of ways to serve together in Decatur: CCC, Meals on Wheels, and many others. He loved traveling - exploring the beauty of God’s earth with our family, especially trips with mom to see foliage and natural beauty. He was curious and well-read, enthusiastic with a graceful candor. He was kind, good, generous, compassionate, and faithful. He was also joy-filled - he greeted strangers as friends, light-hearted and always up for a joke, even to those who were unaware it was a joke! To those who called him “Bah” and Grandpa, he was beloved and they knew they were very loved - he always showed encouragement for their interests and had grandpa tricks up his sleeve. We are filled with memories of his affirmations, guided by his wise counsel, and thankful for how he made us all feel seen. His life is a story of redemption, transforming what he inherited into a new life in Christ that will be passed down for generations. Visitation will be on Friday, November 25th, from 4-6pm and a Celebration of Life service will be on Saturday, November 26th, 10am at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Decatur, Alabama. He loved colors so you’re welcome to come dressed for a celebration. If you cannot attend the service and would like to livesteam on youtube, here is the link,https://youtu.be/ZrLTUp2YHsU. Back to Dad’s words: Sam was very thankful for his life and wishes you well as you continue in yours. Sam’s ashes will be scattered at a later date at a secret location, but you can be sure it will have something to do with a golf course – a great golf course!! In lieu of flowers, Sam’s wish is that any memorials be directed to Committee on Church Cooperation (https://committeeonchurch.org/; P.O. Box 131, Decatur, AL 35601) or Meals on Wheels ℅ Community Action, Note: Sam Janis (1909 Central Parkway SW, Decatur, AL 35601). Tributes to share with the grandkids can be posted here: rb.gy/qmqlpn Shelton Funeral home is assisting the family.

Samuel Robert Janis

April 12, 1949 - November 18, 2022