Samuel D. "Sam" Brittain

Samuel "Sam" Drew Brittain, 50, passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at his home. A native of Buncombe Co, Sam was a son of William Bryan and Nancy Robinson Brittain. Sam was a graduate of Madison High School. He was a student at UNCA, but chose a life of service and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a military policeman. He was deployed in Desert Storm and operations in Panama. Following his military service, Sam spent his career in law enforcement as both a first responder and instructor. He worked for the NC Highway Patrol as a dispatcher and patrolman. He also served in Federal law enforcement with TVA, the US Park Service, and the US Forest Service. He frequently taught advance law enforcement skills at Southwestern Community College, but his classes were in demand nationwide. In addition to his parents, Sam is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Ellie) Brittain and Lindsey Brittain, both of Robbinsville; sons, Drew Brittain of Greenville, SC, and William Brittain of Robbinsville; and sister, Dr. Julia Brittain of Mars Hill. A graveside service with military honors will be at Bell United Methodist Church Cemetery Sunday, August 19, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the veteran or first responder charity of choice in honor of Sam. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.