Samuel "Sam" Vanscoy

Sam VanScoy, 15, of Jonesboro died at his home on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Playfully sarcastic and funny, with a quick wit and a flair for practical jokes and pranks, Sam held his own in any crowd. He was clever and smart beyond his years, with a love for learning and new experiences. Beneath the typical bravado of a hip 15-year-old was a sensitive heart that adored his family and knew that in return he was completely, unconditionally, and profoundly loved.

Sam was always ready for an adventure or a silly prank, and had a way of making you laugh when you needed it most. In these days we ache for the lightness of his spirit and his gift of humor. Though we wonder how laughter will ever return, we know that we must find it if we are to honor Sam’s life and memory.

He had a gift for music and could play virtually any instrument he chose, but he loved his Gibson guitar the best and played it the night before he left us.

In addition to his older brothers Will and Joe, he was loved and doted on by his three surrogate older sisters: his brother Joseph’s fiancée, Jackie, and his cousins Sara Ann and Elizabeth. To them he was a younger brother, with all the bickering, jokes, and scheming that regular siblings enjoy. His rich family life brought him security, love, and joy.

Sam enjoyed fine dinners, riding his motorcycle, his beloved dog, Bella, late-night games with the family, watching The Office with his brothers, scuba diving with Mom and Dad, video games, and all sorts of technology.

As a young boy, he was baptized at First Baptist Church by his mother, Sara, with the full knowledge and understanding of his commitment.

Sam is survived by his parents, Drs. Sara and Robbie VanScoy, brothers Will and Joseph VanScoy, Joseph’s fiancée, Jackie Risi; three grandparents: Mary and Bill VanScoy, and maternal grandmother Martha Gramling; aunts and uncles Beth G and Jim Sanders, Lacey and Jimbo Gramling, cousins SaraAnn and Ethan Sanderlin, Elizabeth Sanders, Madeline, Annabel, James, and Elliott Gramling.

Visitation is Friday, December 30, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service starting promptly at 6:00 with Kathy Holler officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Honorary pallbearers are the Jonesboro High School Percussion Section, Grant Harbison and Seth Jansen. All other services will be private.

The family requests donations to the Jonesboro Public Schools Foundation (earmarked for the JHS Band), 2506 Southwest Square, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 or the NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1012 Autumn Rd, Suite 1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211.