Elmer Ellis Antley

Elmer Ellis Antley

9/14/1965 Wednesday, July 1, 2026

---------------------------

Elmer Ellis Antley, 60, of Jonesborough, TN, went to be with the Lord at his home in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was born on September 14th, 1965 to the late Ellis Carl and Nina Sue Antley.

Sam E.E. Antley was born Elmer Ellis Antley, a name he later set aside in favor of the one by which he would come to be known and loved: Sam E.E. Antley.

Sam began attending Christ Temple around the age of eleven, coming with his mother and sister. It was there that a childhood dream took root - he wanted to learn piano. With little formal instruction, he largely taught himself, occasionally guided by Eloise Herrin, who eventually let him sit in and play with the chorale once his skill became evident. She taught him everything she knew, and in time, Sam surpassed his teacher, becoming an accomplished pianist and organist in his own right. That gift led him to become the church's music director.

Sam's musical tastes were shaped as much by what he loved as by what he didn't. He never cared for old-style country music, having grown up with his mother's constant love of the Chuck Wagon Gang playing in the house. Instead, his first true musical love was black gospel music. His talent for playing it earned him deep respect and popularity among Black choirs and gospel groups, many of whom were in awe of his ability and eagerly invited him to play alongside them. Under his leadership, he took the local church choir to perform at Juneteenth celebrations at Theater Under the Stars, where the choir was welcomed warmly - in no small part because of Sam.

Sam poured himself into the church's music program for years, and his work was a genuine blessing to everyone around him. In 2012, he moved to Tennessee, where he soon found a new church home at Grace Fellowship Church. There, he once again took up music ministry, playing and leading until illness finally made it impossible for him to continue.

Sam's life was one of quiet self-teaching turned extraordinary gift, of music that crossed lines of background and tradition, and of faithful service that blessed every person and congregation he served.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Anita Ann Antley.

Those left to cherish his memory are many friends, church family, and extended family.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Grace Fellowship Church of Johnson City and The Fellowship of Texas City for their generous financial support during this difficult time.

Grace Fellowship Church is hosting a memorial. If attending, please register <https://gfc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3740599>

In lieu of flowers...feel free to donate to the "Play It Again, Sam" scholarship. The goal of the fund is to help deserving students during temporary family hardship, including situations such as job loss, sickness, divorce, or other unexpected challenges. 100% of the funds will go directly toward practical needs that help students continue making music, such as sheet music, accompanists, piano tunings, instrument supplies, or strings.

https://www.blairacademyforthearts.com/samantley

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.