At Princeton, Sam majored in biology and was a member of Cap and Gown, the Outing Club, the Pre-Medical Society, and the marching band. He left Princeton after junior year to attend the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis. With a 1962 medical degree, Sam interned at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and spent a three-year residency in radiology at the University of Colorado, Denver.
After two years as a captain in the Air Force based at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia (where he raced his Triumph T4 sports car), he returned to the University of Colorado as assistant professor of radiology. Unable to resist the lure of his native South, he moved in the late 1970s to Little Rock to join Radiology Consultants at the Baptist Medical Center, practicing until his mid-50s. He then retired to enjoy boating and travel and to support his wife’s work in musical charities, music, and art education.
Sam was predeceased by his wife, Helen; and by son John. He is survived by his companion, Lou Lane; son S. Brooks, III; daughter Virginia Prassel; and four grandchildren.