Sammy Magee

Sammy Magee\ Pearl\ Mr. Sammy Magee, 76, passed away at his home on Friday, January 22, 2010. Funeral Visitation will be form 2 until 6 P.M. Sunday at Chancellor Funeral Home, Florence, MS and Monday from 12:00 P.M. until the 2:00 P.M. funeral Service at Pine Lake Church in Brandon. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Pearl, MS.\ Sammy grew up in Tylertown, Ms. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Sammy began working as a licensed mortician in New Orleans. A life changing career change was made due to police detectives coming by the funeral home and listening to their stories, Sammy decided that police work was much more lively. Sammy joined the Jackson Police Department in 1955. He served 5 years as a patrolman and 5 years as a detective. In 1966, he left the police department to join the Alcohol Beverage Control Division of the State Tax Commission. At that time he was only one of six agents for the state. In 1969, for his heroic efforts during hurricane Camille and his part in single handedly disarming a suspect and saving the life of his victim whom he had shot in the head he was named "Outstanding Law Officer" for the State of Mississippi. Mr. Magee was awarded the distinguishing honor of "Outstanding Law Officer numerous times throughout his career. In 1972 Sammy joined the Hinds County Sheriff's Department as Chief Deputy and retired as a Captain in 2002. Even though he retired he continued to serve the citizens of Rankin County as Sheriff's Deputy until his passing. During his career he received numerous awards and commendations including decorations by the New Orleans Police Department and the New York Police Department for his role in the investigation of the murder of two New York Police Officers. This investigation was later documented in the book "Badge of the Assasin" which was later made into a movie which portrayed Sammy and his role. \ A man who served everyone else, Sammy always said his wife Bobbie was his friend, his wife and the love of his life and his children, grandchildren and family were his joy.\ Survivors include his wife Bobbie Magee of Pearl. Sons, Mike (Dana) Magee of Brandon and Ken Magee of Jackson. Daughter, Cindy (Eric) Applewhite of Florence. Sister, Sherry Hammett of Gunnersville, AL. Grandchildren, Bailey Magee, Brooks Magee, Chantel Munger, Corey (Lauren) Applewhite, Dillon Stanard, Garrett Magee, Hunter Stanard, Lauren Applewhite, Shelby Stanard and Zach Magee. \ Memorials may be made to the Police Benevolent Foundation, 2155 Hwy 42 South, McDonough, GA 30252-9908.\