Samuel "Sam" Davis Shaw Obituary (1940 - 2026)

Samuel “Sam” Davis Shaw, of Bells, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Sam was born on November 6, 1940, to Charles Houston Shaw and Lucy Merrow Wylie Shaw in Louisville, Mississippi. Sam graduated from Louisville High School in 1958 and then served in the United States Navy as an Electronic Specialist. After traveling the world in the Navy, he met and married the love of his life of 62 years, Doris Shaw. They planted roots in Southaven, Mississippi, for thirty-five years. During 25 of those years, Sam was a Commodity Manager at the Defense Industrial Plant Equipment Center (DIPEC) in Memphis, Tennessee. Sam was an avid gardener who not only grew and nurtured his vegetables and flowers but sowed seeds of love, faith, and service with his strong ethics for work. He had a level of dedication and perseverance with any and everything he did. He had the ability to create, build or repair anything he set his mind to. There was never a job too large or too small. He always worked carefully and meticulously as every task tackled would be done the Right Way. If there was something to be done or someone in need, he WOULD find a way to complete the task. Faith was the foundation of Sam’s life. He faithfully answered God’s call by serving as a deacon in both Longview Point Church (Hernando, MS) and Bells Baptist Church. He also was a member of multiple mission trips in the states and abroad. Family was always at the center of his life. He nurtured those he loved with patience, kindness, wisdom, and unconditional support—much like a gardener carefully tending a garden. He planted these seeds not only in his daughters and grandchildren but in many youth as a volunteer leader with the Mississippi 4-H Program. Sam helped, encouraged and guided young people as they learned, grew, and discovered their own gifts. His legacy will continue to grow for generations. Sam is survived by his loving wife, Doris Shaw of Bells, TN; his daughters, Connie Citrino (Mike) of Humboldt, TN and Sandi Darnall (Scott) of Bells, TN; his grandchildren, Amanda Citrino, Sam Darnall (Olivia Montgomery) and Charlie Darnall (Rachel Wright); his siblings, Bruce Shaw (Faye) of Louisville, MS, and Shirley Faye Dawson of Houston, TX; and several nephews, nieces and extended family. Sam’s understanding of the importance of family was cultivated from being one of thirteen children. Family members who have preceded him in death include his father and mother and ten brothers and sisters: Charles H. Shaw, Jr., Thomas Addison Shaw, Bobbie Dean Shaw, Charmie Shaw, Ethelene Shattles, Elise Easley, Clifton Houston Shaw, Paul Gene Shaw, Charlene McNeill, and Diane Shaw. The Master Gardener has called Sam home to work in HIS garden. Well done, good and faithful servant. Honoring Sam as pallbearers will be Bruce Shaw, Mike Citrino, Scott Darnall, Stanley Shaw, Sam Darnall, and Charlie Darnall. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bells Baptist Church. Family and friends are encouraged to visit Sam’s memorial page to share photos, condolences, and cherished memories as we remember and celebrate a life well lived. Ronk Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Samuel “Sam” Davis Shaw.