Sam grew up in Crossett, Arkansas in a Christian home with loving parents and older brother & sister (twins). He had a love for horses as a young boy, until a bigger love for sports took over. By the time he finished high school, he became a pretty good football player, a starting forward on the state championship basketball team and a school record holder in the pole vault.

After high school, Sam headed for Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA on a Georgia Pacific four year scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering. While there he became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, as well as The Ramblin' Wreck Club, Executive Roundtable and a dorm Resident Advisor. He also lettered 4 years on the Track & Field team as a pole vaulter, setting the school record.

Just before graduating from Tech, Sam married the love of his life, Dolli, after having met her one Sunday evening the year before at an Atlanta church. Three years later his daughter, Mandi was born in Carrollton, GA and another 3 years later his son, Alec, was born in Owensboro, KY. In 1984 the Etheridge family moved from Atlanta to Orlando for a job promotion where Sam used his Ga Tech degree and Professions Engineer credentials to make a good living. He also was able to continue his love of sports: in his 30's and 40's it was tennis and he became a USTA ranked player in Florida. When his knees gave out, he became an avid golfer and member of the "hole-in-one" club when he was 51.

Having retired at 62, Sam & Dolli were able to spend more time traveling the world - from Alaska to the Caribbean and from Tahiti to Dubai. When not globe trotting, they enjoyed time with their grandkids; Mandi's family (2 boys) in Colorado, and Alec's family (2 boys,1 girl) in Southern California. In 2022 the whole family met in Las Vegas to celebrate Sam & Dolli's golden (50th) wedding anniversary together. Sam finally settled on the Florida beach as his retirement location where he enjoyed his community, visits from friends and family, and a slightly slower paced life.

Sam will be cremated, and the family will have a private celebration of his life later this year.