Samuel Alonzo Worley

View Video Tribute View Funeral Webcast Mr. Samuel Alonzo Worley, 93, a long time resident of Dry Fork Road in Hampshire, died Monday, June 14, 2021 at the Fountains of Franklin. Funeral services for Mr. Worley will be conducted Friday at 11:00 a.m. at West 7th Street Church of Christ with Randy Owens officiating. Burial will follow in the Worley Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born on September 3, 1927, he was the son of the late Stephen Alonzo Worley and the late Alice Haynes Worley. He attended Stephens School through the 8th grade, and went on to graduate from Hampshire High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army in 1946-47, and then returned to civilian life to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he met Jean Gwaltney. They were married on June 2, 1951. Sam graduated from UT in December 1951 with a B.S. in Agriculture, after which Sam and Jean returned to Hampshire so that Sam could resume farming with his father. Sam was a visionary farmer who over several decades took a modest farm that was started by his grandfather and expanded it into a profitable operation using the latest in agricultural technology. Joined by his sons Neil and Stephen, he pioneered the use of no-till farming techniques in Tennessee in the 1970’s. No-till farming conserved soil and increased crop yields, reducing runoff and erosion. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, Worley Farms became a model for these soil conservation techniques and was often visited by industry leaders and agricultural publications. Sam was a tireless promoter of agriculture in Maury County, hosting Farm Bureau “Farm-City Days” and “Ag In the Classroom” events with the goal of helping people understand the role of the farmer in providing food for families. In 2009 the Columbia Kiwanis Club recognized him for his achievements in a lifetime of dedication to agriculture. Sam also believed in service to others. Over the years he served on the Board of Directors of the Maury County Farm Bureau, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Upper Duck River Development Agency. He supported both Hampshire School and Columbia Academy, and was involved in the activities of his children and grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Cathey’s Creek Church of Christ and later West 7th Church of Christ, and instilled this faith in his children. Sam and Jean enjoyed sharing the bounty of their garden with friends and neighbors, especially peaches and sweet corn, which were Sam’s specialties. They loved being part of the Dry Fork/Cathey’s Creek community and treasured spending time with friends from all over Maury County. Some of Sam’s favorite hobbies included growing extensive collections of roses, daylilies, and African violets; playing bridge; photography; and travel. Family connections were very important to Sam, and he and Jean especially enjoyed hosting holidays and family gatherings on the farm. In addition to Jean, his wife of 70 years, he is survived by his children, Jan Worley (Blair) Maust and Beth Worley (Roman) Kickirillo; daughters-in-law Ginger Jackson and Karen Worley; grandchildren, Demetria Worley, Frances Worley, Andrew Worley, Josh (Anne) Maust, Becky (Jonathan) West, Brent (Jessica) Worley, Katherine Worley, Stephanie Worley, Michael Kickirillo and David Kickirillo; as well as five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Stephen Gwaltney Worley and Eugene Neil Worley. Pallbearers will be Blair Maust, Roman Kickirillo, Brian Smart, Josh Maust, Brent Worley, and Andrew Worley. The family suggests memorials be made to West 7th Street Church of Christ or Cathey’s Creek Church of Christ. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Reflections Memory Care at the Fountains of Franklin, as well as friends, neighbors, and family members who provided assistance while Sam and Jean were still at home.