Sam lived in Alvin through his high school years where he graduated Salutatorian. He went on to attend Texas A&M University (1945-1949), where he joined the Corps. He was in the A Infantry, where he was elected by his peers to be their First Sergeant (a High honor in the Corps of Cadets). When the Korean War broke out, he served in Germany, in the US Army as a First Lieutenant, 2nd Armored Division, from January 1951 until November 1952.
In 1952 Sam started his career with Hunter Associates in Dallas. He married Virginia Dare on February 26, 1954. In 1961 Sam moved his family to Austin and opened the Austin office of Hunter Associates – he worked with local municipalities, including, New Braunfels, Cuero, Yoakum, Lockhart, and Elgin on their streets drainage and utilities. He opened McKenzie Engineering in 1995 to present, where he worked on subdivisions and developing property.
Sam enjoyed playing golf, going to sporting events, horse racing, and trips to the Casinos. He followed Aggie sports of all kinds. In his later years, he enjoyed following the Astros baseball team and the Dallas Cowboys on TV.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia on July 22, 1994.
Sam is survived by his second wife, Bea, whom he married on April 21, 1996, and her granddaughter Adrianna; daughter, Melissa; son Sam, III; grandchildren Mandy Sandlin of Houston, Megan Williamson of Virginia Beach and Brandon McKenzie, Katie McKenzie and Emily McKenzie of Joplin, Missouri.; great grandchildren Tyler Sandlin and Abby Sandlin of Houston.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, North Lamar. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Texas, P.O. Box 26460, Austin, Texas 78755 or to a charity of your choice.
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