Samuel Scott Dees, 59 years old, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on May 23rd, 2026 after a brief illness.

He was born on December 13th, 1966 in Paola, Kansas to Ross and Sherry Dees. Sam grew up in Paola and was known early in life for his mischievous pranks and jovial sense of humor. Sam helped lead the Paola Panthers Football team to a state championship in 1984 with a perfect 12-0 record.

Sam attended Emporia State University and remained loyal to his work at CocaCola. During his life, he was actively involved in raising his children by coaching their sports teams and being a sideline cheerleader. Sam volunteered at Must Ministries working with the homeless and at his home church of Mount Paran North. He will be remembered for his calm spirit and facial expressions that made his thoughts easy to read.

Sam shared a loving life with Arilma Dees and was a devoted father to his children. He enjoyed fishing, gun range shooting, watching football, and spending time with his family. He was passionate about serving others within his church community and loved greeting parishioners.

He was preceded in death by his father Ross Dees, his mother Sherry Dees, and both sets of grandparents. Sam is survived by his wife Arilma Dees, daughters Morgan (Christopher) Gouin, Eliza Dees, Stella Dees, and soon-to-be granddaughter Charlotte Gouin, and stepchildren Alicia and Alex. He is also survived by his siblings, Preston, Jim, Michelle (Mike) Fanning and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held on May 29th at 2:00PM EST at Mount Paran North Church 1700 Allgood Road Marietta, GA 30062.

Flowers may be sent to the church address above on Thursday (May 28th) or Friday (May 29th) morning before 1pm EST.  The family would also like to thank all of our friends and loved ones for their ongoing support through this difficult time.

May his memory be a blessing.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15).