Samuel "Sam" E. Orr, 85, who retired in Newberry, SC, with his wife Leslie Lander Orr, and became a beloved member of the Newberry Made arts community, died Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The New Year's baby of 1936 in Rock Hill, SC, Sam was the son of the late Roy D. and Elizabeth J. "Pinky" Moore Orr. After graduating from Rock Hill High School, Sam pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education at Murray State University in Kentucky. In his first career as a high school band director and chorus teacher in Marshall County, Kentucky; Key West, Florida; and Rosiclare, Illinois; Mr. Orr inspired countless music students. Sam was also a musician himself and played professionally in Whidbey Island, Washington and Tega Cay and Rock Hill, SC. In the second part of his life, Sam was a clinical counselor working in the field of addictions, eventually retiring as the Director of the Men's Residence in Columbia, SC and retiring once again in early 2020 as a family grief counselor from Pavilion in Western North Carolina. Most recently, a jewelry designer and silversmith, he enjoyed sharing "Sam's Spirit Jewelry" at the Newberry Farmer's Market and local shops. As a decades-long friend of Bill, he was active and influential in the recovery community in North and South Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Ann E. Corley and Mary Garrison, and his son Chris Orr. He is survived by his wife Leslie Lander Orr; two daughters, Michelle Orr (Jerry) O'Brion and Samantha Jolene Orr; a son, Sean (Nancy) Orr; a step-daughter, Helen (Loretta) Pinkston-Pope; sister Maria Corley; lifelong friend Janet Sommers; multiple grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Sam's love lives on through his family and special friends Adam, Barbara, Carlton, Carolyn, Dangerfield, Greg, Jon and Adam, Mary and Michael, RJaye and Linda, Rob, and unnamed, countless others. All who knew Sam will remember his blue eyes, full of challenge and love, and his aversion to small talk, speaking instead about matters of the heart. Friends are invited to drop in at Rob Matheson's Exhibition Space at 1213 Main Street on Saturday, July 31, 2021, between 6 and 8 pm to celebrate Sam's life. For the safety of all attending, Covid protocols will be followed, including wearing masks inside. Memories may be shared with the family here on Sam's tribute page. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.