Rev. Samuel Ned Scarbrough

A lifelong Baptist minister, an avid daylily hybridizer, a beloved husband, and a cherished father and grandfather, Samuel N. Scarbrough, succumbed to old age and related illnesses at the age of 91 years on November 2, 2024, after spending nearly his entire life active and mentally vibrant.

Born in Fairburn, Georgia, Sam spent his early life surrounded by his seven brothers and sisters and enjoyed attending and singing at revivals.  After playing high school football, basketball earned him a scholarship at Truett McConnell in Cleveland, Georgia, where his interest in the ministry was piqued.   So, to prepare for a life of ministry, Sam added degrees from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Sam devoted his working years pastoring Georgia churches until he was called to return to Macon, Georgia, to lead Cross Keys Baptist Church and Cross Keys Academy.  After 17 years, Sam retired from full-time ministry but continued his work for Christ, mentoring young pastors, guest speaking at rural churches needing temporary pastorship, and positions at the Missionary Association.

With retirement, Sam rediscovered his love of gardening and began a second career as a daylily hybridizer and, along with his wife, ran a certified Daylily Display Garden and still found time to serve as President of the Dailylily Club for several years.

Sam was married to Rebecca Hardman Scarbrough for 71 years, who survives him.   Sam is also survived by one daughter, Cheryl S. Clayton, of Atlanta, and one granddaughter,

Stephanie S. Clayton of San Diego, in-laws Lynn and Katherine Hardman of Watkinsville, GA, Jo Bert of Olympia, Washington, and many nephews, cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces in and around Georgia and Washington State. Visitation will be held on November 8 at Hart’s Funeral Home Cupola from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia.

Officiants are Reverend Julie Long of First Baptist Church of Christ, Macon, GA, and Reverend Steve Johnson of Bradley Baptist Church in Gray, Georgia.

Online condolences may be placed at www.hartsmort.com.  In lieu of flowers, plant a tree or donate to your favorite charity in Sam Scarbrough’s name.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 am on November 9 at First Baptist Church of Christ, 511 High Place, Macon, Georgia 31210.

Interment will occur at Holly Hill Memorial Park, 359 SW Broad St. Fairburn, GA 30213, (If you’re using Apple Maps, please use the following address, 359 Roosevelt Highway, Fairburn, GA 30213) where Sam will rest near his siblings and relatives.  On the funeral day, a graveside prayer will take place at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.