Samuel Luther Stapleton, Jr., 73, passed away on April 7, 2025. Sam served on the Friends of Seven Islands Board as Treasurer but also loved taking photos of the park, which you can view on his website by clicking here.

Sam was creative to the core, whether he was viewing the world through a camera lens or making up stories full of whimsy to entertain any child who crossed his path. Sam was deeply kind and endlessly curious. He grew up in Kingsport, TN, and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in accounting. Sam worked as an auditor for Blue Cross for several years, before joining the finance department at the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he worked for 37 years. An artist with a camera, his photography was featured in books, magazines and galleries across the country.

Sam is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Hudson; daughters, Elizabeth Stapleton and son-in-law, Keaton Miller and Erin Stapleton; brother, Robert Stapleton; sister, Mary Anne (Rick) Eason. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Luther Stapleton, Sr. and Dorothy Lee Stapleton.

Per Sam’s wishes, donations in Sam's memory may be made to Friends of Seven Islands State Birding Park, PO Box 27182, Knoxville, TN 37927 or by using the form below. A long-time board member, some of Sam's happiest hours were spent walking in the park, camera in hand.