Dr. Sam Jones Albritton Jr., age 72, of Florence, Ala., passed away in Birmingham on July 7 after a brief illness.Dr. Albritton was born at home, on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau in McMinnville, Tenn., on March 5, 1933. He was the son of the late Martha Little and Dr. Sam Jones Albritton. His early years, when he was known as "Sammy," were filled with weekly visits to Sparta, Tenn., to visit his mother's family and numerous trips to Camden, Ala., to visit his father's family and his many cousins. He graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tenn., and continued his education with a degree from the University of the South -- Sewanee. In 1953, while attending Sewanee, Dr. Albritton met his bride of 49 years, Mary Brooks McKenzie Albritton, of Chattanooga, Tenn. Their love and commitment was formalized when they married Aug. 27, 1955. Later that fall, they moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he attended the University of Tennessee Dental School. After graduation, Dr. Albritton joined his father's dental practice in McMinnville, Tenn., and practiced with him for two years. From 1960-62, he fulfilled his commitment to his country with service in the Air Force as a dentist at Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas. In 1962, Dr. Albritton purchased his first cousin's (Dr. Hill Barnett) dental practice in Florence, Ala. He retained the practice in the North Florence business community for more than 40 years.Just as his father who practiced dentistry for 58 years, Dr. Albritton served the dental needs of several generations of families. He was known to make house calls, meet patients outside office hours and never one to deny someone who needed dental care by accepting barter goods for services. Dr. Albritton enjoyed the good fortune of a dedicated professional staff that stayed with him many years.Dr. Albritton and his wife raised four children in a loving and Christian environment. They include, Sam Jones Albritton III (Michelle), Knoxville, Tenn., Kathleen Albritton Fittro (Todd), Bradenton, Fla., William Brooks Albritton (Avery), Germantown, Tenn., and Martha Albritton Furio (Jim), Homewood, Ala.; grandchildren include, Sam Dr. Albritton was proud to be the 12th generation Albritton born in America and honored to have 11 ancestors who served in combat for American Independence in the Revolutionary War. These ancestors, along with others who fought in the French and Indian War, Creek War, War of 1812, War Between the States, Mexican American War, and his father, who served as a second lieutenant and earned combat decoration with a Purple Heart in World War I, provided him with his heritage of service to our country.In Dr. Albritton's early years, he worked as a disc jockey in his mother's radio station, WMMT, McMinnville and WSMT, Sparta, Tenn. He played football at Castle Heights Military Academy and often told stories of playing with and against World War II veterans. At the University of The South, he developed his golf game and later toured with the Air Force National Golf Team. He was an avid deer hunter and in 2004-05 had his best year of hunting in Camden, Ala., with his sons, relatives and friends. He was instrumental in the formation of the YMCA in Florence, Ala., the establishment of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University of North Alabama, and the establishment of Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club as a charter member. He was a prior member of Kiwanis, a regional officer of the Alabama Treasure Forestry Commission, a member of the Alabama Dental Society and a member of the Tennessee Society of the Sons of the Revolution. Dr. Albritton was a 37-year active member of First Presbyterian Church in Florence, where he served as a deacon for six years and elder for 18 years.Dr. Albritton was never one to slow down. He enjoyed many years spent at his lake home and hunting camp with family and friends. He was a man of many friends and had a keen sense of humor. Gentle and cheerful by nature, he drew people to him by the warmth of his personality and kept their friendship through his lifetime. His generosity and helpfulness were often unknown to the public but touched the lives of a great number of people. For those in need, he was unable to say no. He lived with zest and enthusiasm enjoying his life and the lives of those around him. He loved his family and took great pride and satisfaction in his children. In return, his children gave him great love and loyalty. He will always be remembered by those who knew him, and greatly missed by those who loved him.A family graveside service will be Sunday, July 10, at Greenview Cemetery in Florence, Ala. The Rev. Larry Baskin will officiate. Elkins Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A service to celebrate the life of Dr. Sam Jones Albritton Jr. will be at a later date at First Presbyterian Church, Florence, Ala. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church, 224 E. Mobile St., Florence, AL 35630..
Published in Florence Times Daily on July 10, 2005