Samuel Walter Lam
Samuel Walter Lam, 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Bridgewater Retirement Community where he had been a resident for 4 years. He was born to Roger and Myrtle Sandy Lam on March 4, 1942, in Harrisonburg, Virginia and lived his life in Rockingham and Augusta Counties. He married Betty Jean Rawley Lam on August 17, 1963; she preceded him in death on April 10, 2020.
Sam graduated from North River High School class of 1960, and was a member of Mt. Olivet United Brethren Church since 1958. He worked 40+ years for Westinghouse in Verona, which later became Daikin. Sam loved to travel with his family, visiting 49 states except Hawaii, going to Southern gospel concerts and anything to do with John Deere Tractors.
Sam was father to Gregory Alan (Mary) Lam of Mt. Crawford and Steven Walter (Sarah) Lam of Weyers Cave, grandfather to Garrett Monroe Lam of McGaheysville, and his special friend Lynette Layman, Elliott Samuel (Charis) Lam of Harrisonburg, Grace Elizabeth Lam and Joel Steven Lam, both of Weyers Cave, Great grandfather to Ashlynn Mae Lam. Brother to Marvin (Mary) Lam, Herbert (Lois) Lam, twin brother to Daniel (Linda) Lam, Dallas (Leanna) Lam, sister-in-law Edith Depoy Lam and brother-in-law Nelson Shenk. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding him in death are siblings Lynwood (Betty) Lam, Hazel (George) Altizer, Ralph Lam, Glen Roger Lam, Marietta (Hal) Helphrey and Frances Shenk.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 27th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Grottoes.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 AM on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Mt Olivet Unitd Brethren Church in Mount Solon, with Pastors John Christophel and Todd Lilley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Sam requested memorial gifts be sent to either the Building or Cemetery Fund of Mt. Olivet UB Church at 862 Freeman Run Road, Mt. Solon, VA 22843 or Big Laurel Mission in care of Nathan Boggs at HC82, Box 338, Big Laurel, KY 40808-9601.
The family would like to thank the staff of Bridgewater Retirement Community for the care and support that was given to our father for the last 4 years. Also, we would like to thank UVA Neurology and Dr. Fagari for his 20+ years of care.
