Sammy "Sam" J. Yater passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. He was born December 29, 1953 in Richmond, Kentucky. He was the son of the late Ralph J. Yater, Pearl Smith Carpenter and the late Aubrey L. Carpenter, Jr.

Sam graduated in 1972 from Model High School and attended EKU. While at Model, he was on the basketball team his Junior and Senior years. He was voted Mr. Popularity of his Senior class. Soft spoken and friendly, Sam had the personality that if you met him, you would like him.

Sam worked at Blue Grass Hardware during high school and later, at the Campbell House Inn in Lexington. After moving to Hilton Head, SC about 30 years ago, he worked at the Chamber of

Commerce and the Country Club of Hilton Head. For recreation, he loved playing golf and and enjoyed listening to music from his extensive LP album collection.

Surviving Sam are his mother; children, Ellen Grace Yater, Sarah Katherine Yater (Brent); grandson, Madux; siblings, Dennis W. Carpenter, Tammy L. Carpenter and Sarah Elizabeth Carpenter; nephews, Brandon and Ben; great-nephew, Bowie; great-niece, Adelyn. Locally, he is survived by cousins, Larry (Carla) Cormney, Megan Cormney, Wyatt and Eli Davis.

Sam is predeceased by his father and step-father; brother, Keith W. Carpenter; maternal grandparents, Sam Mac and Martha Price Smith; aunts and uncles, Kathryn S. (Tulley) Cormney and Frances S. (Charles) Dunn.

A private service was held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in Hustonville, KY, where the Reverend Andrew McGinnis officiated. Burial was at Hustonville Cemetery.