Sam Stacks

Samuel Shane Stacks of Llano, Texas passed away on September 22nd, 2022 at age 49. Robert “Bob” E. Stacks and Nancy Johnston Stacks welcomed Sam into the world on January 28th, 1973 in Burnet, Texas. While he would later call Marble Falls his home, becoming a graduate of MFHS in 1991, Sam was very proud of his deep Burnet County roots and his Johnston family history.

After high school Sam enlisted in the Navy, serving three and half years on the USS Jason. He was a very proud Veteran and loved his country. He returned home in 1995, working various jobs until he found his passion for fire safety.

Sam began his fire career in Horseshoe Bay before later serving the Marble Falls and Spicewood communities. Over his 24 year career he held many positions as a first responder for MFEMS, a firefighter and fire marshal for MFFD, and as Fire Chief of Spicewood Fire & Rescue. Being a first responder was so fitting for Sam as he was always a fierce protector of his God, family, and country. One couldn’t ask for a better person to have their back.

Sam pursued higher education later in his life, regularly attending Texas Fire Chiefs Academy and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service where he advanced his knowledge and many skills for protecting his local communities and showing the importance of leadership, including becoming a Chief Executive Officer for Fire Service. Later in life he attended Central Texas College in order to become the Fire Chief of SFR.

In 2001 Sam was blessed to meet the love of his life, Cheryl. Shortly after meeting Cheryl and her two kids, Chelby and Cobey, they married and had their son Strait all in one year. Sam promised Cheryl they would be together 80 years, showing the obvious love he had for her and their children.

Sam was the classic outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, and even hiking (when Cheryl made him). His love for the outdoors was in his genes and was encouraged by his Papa, William H. “Koon” Johnston, even before he could walk. He loved to cook and barbecue for his family and friends, especially if it was the wild game he hunted. Sam was also involved in drag boat racing, first learning to love the sport from Jerry and Nancy Davis, War Party TAF556, then becoming a proud sponsor of the Spirit of Texas TFH race team. He was a fan of  Western movies and history, evidenced by his son Strait Cahill who was named after the King of Country Music George Strait and US Marshal Cahill, an iconic character famously played by John Wayne.

When his son came of age Sam supported his career as a Boy Scout of America, becoming a Scout Master for the Marble Falls Troop #284. While he mentored many young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, he would later see his son become one and impart a love for volunteering that culminated in a community project for the Marble Falls Police Department. Sam took volunteerism and leadership very seriously. Being a devout Christian, Sam became an endowed member of the Blazing Star Masonic Order, Lodge #413 of Marble Falls and advanced to Worshipful Master in 2018.

Sam had a sense of humor like no other. He liked a good joke or prank even if he was the butt of it. There are countless stories from the MFFD, friends, hunting buddies, his kids, cousins, and sisters. If you were ever lucky enough to hear Sam squeal with laughter, that sure was something you’d never forget.

Sam leaves behind his mother Nancy, his younger sister Sara, his two half-sisters Angel Meador and Tammy Pryce, his wife Cheryl, and his children Chelby, Cobey, and Strait. He was preceded in death by his father Robert and his half-sister Cynthia Rydell.

On September 23rd Sam’s body was escorted by a procession of his many comrades in service from Baylor Scott and White Hospital Round Rock to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Marble Falls where he was honored by the National Honor Guard with the flag-folding ceremony and a last duty call.

Visitation will be held 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, September 29th, 2022, at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Marble Falls, Texas. Per his wishes, a celebration of Sam’s life will take place at a later date to be determined.

Arrangements are under the personal care of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor and memory of Sam Stacks to the following charities: Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force, Racers Emergency Support Program (RESP), The Bo Lusinger Memorial Fund, or any charity of your choice.