Sam Amburgey

Sam Amburgey, resident of Laguna Woods, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 27th at the age of 80.

Born in Kentucky and raised in Minnesota by Charles and Rosetta Amburgey, Sam moved to Costa Mesa at the age of 16 and graduated from Newport Harbor High School. He was one of 14 children and is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Oscar and Pat Amburgey, Orville and Bea Amburgey, sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Wayne Crosswhite, sister-in-law Jean Amburgey, and 80 nephews and nieces.

He was married for 27 years and was predeceased by his wife, Virginia. He leaves their children, Karen Harrison, Kathie and Dick Freeman, Kevin and Deb Amburgey, and grandchildren, David, Matthew, and Stephanie Harrison, Brian Freeman, and Christopher, Kyle, Bradley, and Rachel Amburgey. His sisters-in-law Norine Farnham, Carole Cose, and Sandy Klefman also survive him.

Sam was also married for 24 years and was predeceased by his second wife, Shirley, and leaves his stepchildren, Jan Simpson, Bob and Suzanne Searles, Tom and Barb Searles, and Julie and Monty Rowan, and grandchildren, Shelby, Jamie, and Isabelle Searles, Blake and Amanda Searles, and Jasper and Erin Rowan.

Sam was a servant to his country as a Marine during the Korean War, a servant to his community as a detective for Newport Beach Police Department, and a servant to his Lord Jesus Christ. His love of the outdoors included fishing, hunting, and golfing.

A memorial service will be held to honor his life at his church home: South Shores Church in Dana Point on Saturday, May 5th at 5:00 in the evening with a dinner reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either of his favorite charities: Mission Hospital Foundation at 27700 Medical Center Road. Mission Viejo, CA 92691 or by calling (949) 364-7783, or South Shores Church at 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, CA 92629 or by calling (949) 496-9331.