Samuel Allen Garee, Jr.

8.1.1937 - 12.28.2022

Samuel A. Garee, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. He was eighty-five. Born August 1, 1937, to Samuel and Maxine (Day) Garee. Sam served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for three years and went on to work as a crane operator at the Timken Company, retiring after forty years.

Sam will be remembered for his free spirit, strong will, tender heart, and many great stories. From driving overnight through the Montana Mountains in a whiteout blizzard to walking out of the hospital against medical advice after a motorcycle crash, people loved to hear about the days of his life as much as he loved to share them.

Motorcycles were one of Sam's lifelong passions and he rode and drag-raced them, up until his final years, and he was particularly fond of his Harley FXR and Harley V-Rod, the latter of which he'd coolly note went from 0 to 60 "in a hurry." As a gun expert and talented shooter, he was a longstanding member of the Canton-McKinley Rifle and Pistol Club. He competed in marksmanship matches of all types over many years, mainly shooting pistol and clay in his younger years, and later in national long-range events. In 2007, he won the High Grand Senior National Championship at Camp Perry, and he set a Grand Senior NRA record for 1,000-yard metallic sight shooting at the Arizona State Long Range High Power Rifle Championship.

While his black leather jacket and the pistol on his hip portrayed a hard exterior but Sam was a softy and an animal lover. He cared deeply for his cats, Toby and Tommy, and his sweet black lab, Cassie, who preceded him in death. He appreciated nature and often visited Nimisila Reservoir to fish and watch the eagles.

Sam's legacy will be carried on in the stories he shared and the lives he touched. He is survived by his daughters, Christine (Scott) Johnson and Laura (Virgil) Schlabach; grandchildren, Joshua (Nikki) Pavkov, Carson (Logan) Pavkov, Jordan Schlabach, and Aaron Schlabach; great-granddaughters, Arden and Lane Pavkov; sister, Dixie Wilson; and special love, Audrey Adorisio.

Sam has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. We welcome all to share stories and memories of Sam by signing the online register book at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stark County Humane Society at starkhumane.org.