Dr. Sammy Albert Caves
October 26 ,1942- May 14, 2024
Dr. Sammy Albert Caves, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14th at Columbus Hospice. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Sammy was born October 26 ,1942 in Douglas, Georgia to Albert and Lillie Batten Caves. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. He proceeded to earn a doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy and then graduated in the first class from Medical College of Georgia in 1973. He was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. After practicing dentistry for three years, he returned to Augusta to complete his residency in Orthodontics. Sammy spent over 40 years practicing orthodontics in Columbus and he loved spending time at his office caring for patients. He was a Damn Good Dawg and even requested his season tickets to be buried with him. Sammy enjoyed riding around the farm, taking care of his cows and horses and was never without his cup of coffee.
Sammy’s devotion to his family was unwavering. He loved nothing more than his wife, Pamela Shine Caves. He is survived by his eight children: Al Caves and his wife Michelle, Quin Johnson and her husband David, Amanda Bryan and her husband Bo, Whitni Waldrop, and her husband Mulford, Blake Caves, Alexander Caves, Batten Caves, and Lillie Amelia Caves. He also adored his grandchildren: Tyler, Lindsey, Lucy, Bo, Thomas, Ford, Blakely, Mila, and Pepper. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Caves, and his father-in-law Charles Shine (G Daddy).
As an orthodontist, Sammy’s comical and compassionate nature transformed smiles and hearts alike. His loyal staff are more like family and stayed by his side until the very end. He approached his work with a dedication to excellence and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of his patients. Though his soul has returned to heaven, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.
In addition to his parents, Sammy was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Carol Shine, his sisters Evelyn Flanders and her husband Thomas, Nadine Walker and her husband Jimmy and sister-in-law Barbara Caves. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, surrounded by love.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Friday May 17, 2024, at 11am. A visitation will be held Thursday May 16 from 5:00 to 7:00 at their family home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sammy’s memory to Columbus Hospice or Trinity Episcopal Church.