Drash, Sam Lewis

Longtime Educator, Administrator And Coach

  • Saturday, June 13, 2009

Sam Drash, 70, of Chattanooga died early Friday, June 12, 2009, after a twelve-year battle with leukemia.

Sam was a teacher, principal and coach beloved by hundreds of kids over the last 45 years.

Drash dedicated his life to children, beginning as a history teacher in Montgomery, Al. in the 1960’s and rising to become one of the top headmasters in Tennessee as the leader of Christ Methodist Day School in Memphis from 1974 to 1984.

Mr. Drash always put children before self. Students recall a man who gave second and third chances, even when they didn’t deserve it. Some students tell tales of being sent to the principal’s office, only to have him cry with them over their offenses.

“That was Dad. He loved kids so much. He always believed in them.” His son, Wayne Drash, said. “He was a man of honor and integrity. His philosophy was: You can never do wrong if you follow your heart.”

“You heard dads of his generation not being open with their kids, but Dad would always dote on his three sons. He’d always give us hugs as boys and tell us, 'I love you!'“

Mr. Drash coached baseball, football and basketball grade school teams over the years, racking up numerous championships along the way. Players say the teams always won because they didn’t want to disappoint their coach-and school principal.

In addition to Christ Methodist, Drash was a headmaster at the following schools: Bayside Academy, in Daphne, Al.; Sumner Academy in Gallatin, Tn.; The Benjamin School, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.; and Scenic Land School in Chattanooga.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, J. Wayne and Lois Drash; his stepmother, Eleanor Drash; and brother, Phil Drash.

A graduate of Rhodes College in 1961, Mr. Drash is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ginny; and three sons, Lewis, Mike (Tracy), and Wayne (Genny); and three grandchildren, Emma, Billy and Tallulah.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15, at First Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga with the Rev. Dwight Kilgore officiating.

The Morgan Sunday School Class of the church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Burial will be on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Como, Ms., with the Rev. Samuel Godfrey officiating.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to the house of Sledge and Denise Taylor.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday at the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home.

The family will also receive friends from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday at the church and immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests the contributions be made to Christ Methodist, the school he loved. Contact the school at 901 202-6060 or e-mail at Development@cmdsmemphis.org

Condolences may be sent to www.lane-coulterchapel.com.

Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home Coulter Chapel, 601 Ashland Terrace, 877-3524.

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