Samuel Lee Augustus was born on February 16, 1953 in Mound Bayou, Mississippi to the union of Hudson Augustus, Sr. and Mary Louise Johnson Augustus whom both preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by sisters, Nancy Lee Moore, Jewel Lee Williams, Annie Bell Rogers Daughrity, Fannie Bell Jones, Nettie Mae Dunnigan Augustus and Carolyn Christine Augustus and brothers, Hudson Augustus, Jr. and Houston Augustus.

At an early age Sam confessed a hope in Christ. Sam was raised in Wardell, Missouri. In 1972 he relocated to East Saint Louis, Illinois.

Sam was a member of the U.S (United States). Army for four years. He attended State Community College in East Saint Louis, Illinois, where he graduated in 1981 with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.

Sam was employed by Granite City Steel for thirty-three years, he retired in 2018 .

He leaves to cherish his memory: his sister Doris Damper.