Sam McMayer, age 84, of Russellville passed away Saturday February 7, 2026, at Terrace Manor.
He was born March 3, 1941 to Jose and Ana Maia in Arcos Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Sam served many years as a pastor in Brazil before coming to the United States to serve as an evangelist. For several years, he was a limousine driver in New York. He was a very community minded man of God and last attended the Nueva Vida Iglesia (New Life Church).
Visitation will be Wednesday February 11, 2026 at Akins Funeral Home 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. where the service will be held at 4:00 p.m.. Brother Domingos Medeiro will officiate.
Sam is survived by his wife, Isaura McMayer; son, Samuel (Susi Ng) Maia; daughters, Sulamita (Carlos) Lima, Ana Paola (Claudio) Chaves, and Natascha (Timothy) Maia; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Israel Maia, Nathanael Maia, and Martins Maia; sisters, Ana Correa Maia, Mirian Maia, and Raquel Maia; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jose Floriamante Maia; mother, Ana Correa Maia; brother, Louis Maia; sisters, Sara Maia and Junia Maia; and grandson, Joshua Chaves.