Sammy Earl Glaze's Obituary
Sammy Earl Glaze—
Cherished Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend.
Sammy was born on June 22, 1928 in Tyler, Texas to Samuel Wilbur and Katie Tominee Glaze, and he died on April 14, 2010 at the age of 81. Sammy attended John Tyler High School, where he graduated Salutatorian. From there he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for three years. He then attended and graduated as the first honor student from LeTourneau Institute with a degree in Engineering. Sammy spent his entire professional career working for LeTourneau—first in the plant, then in the engineering department, and finally, as chief scheduler at the steel mill before retiring in 1993 after 43 years with the company. For 46 years, Sammy served on the Board of Directors for LeTourneau Federal Credit Union and was Vice-Chairman of that organization for many of those years.
A pillar of faith and strength, Sammy was a loyal member of Holy Trinity Community Church, where he served as lead usher, a member of the personnel and worship committees, and, for two terms, the chairman of the Administrative Board. As an active member of his community, Sammy worked with Citizens on Patrol, the Longview Citizen's Police Academy, and the Gold Card Volunteers with L.I.S.D. Two of Sammy's primary pleasures were traveling and working in his yard.
Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Thomas Lee Glaze, and his sister, Zelda Nell Stepp. He is survived by Opal Christine Glaze, his wife of 58 years, daughter Debra Conway and her husband Tom, and two sons, Mark Glaze and his wife Joni, and Brian Glaze and his wife Wendy. Also surviving Sammy are grandchildren Nicole Harbison and husband Andrew, Courtney Conway, Kyle and Crysta Glaze, Nicholas Glaze, Ethan Glaze, Jessica Eubank, Christopher Eubank, and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves a sister, Anne Kelley and husband Dave, special sisters-in-law, Estelle Barton and Mary Ella Glaze, and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 17 at 12:00 PM at Holy Trinity Community Church with Dr. David Jenkins and Dr. William Rawlins presiding. Pall Bearers are Page Gay, Ed Collins, Hal Newsom, Raymond Jewell, David Stewart, and Fred Irwin. The Honorary Pall Bearers are John Williamson, Larry Carlton, and Andy Howell Jimmy Neely and Jason Fowler. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, the 16th at Radar Funeral Home, which is handling all arrangements. Internment will be at Rosewood Cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Clairmont Express Rehab and Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House for their excellent and compassionate care.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Community Church, 3800 Judson Road, Longview or Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Road, Longview.
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