Samuel Arthur Wing, Jr.

Samuel Arthur Wing, Jr. died peacefully October 17, surrounded by family and friends. Born in San Antonio, Texas, August 6, 1923, Sam graduated from North Dallas High School and then attended the school that would shape his life, the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. He served as a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps in World War II, returning to Notre Dame and graduating Magna Cum Laude as a member of the class of ‘44, proclaimed by his classmates as “Notre Dame’s Finest". He married Hazel Anita Fuess in 1944, his wife of 52 years and the mother of his six children. Following Hazel’s death in 1996, Sam married Gail Hairston of Dallas, enjoying her family of six children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren

After completing his studies at Notre Dame, he joined his father, Sam Sr., his brother, Beryl, and his brother-in-law, Cy Anderson at the Sam A. Wing Company (later, Wing Industries). Under Sam’s leadership, with the company’s commitment to quality, customer service and innovation, it grew from a local company making venetian blinds to the largest manufacturer of bi-fold doors in the world, with Wing products sold in 50 states and 18 countries abroad. In the 1960s he was nominated by Ed Hagar to membership in the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), a global leadership community of business leaders who are top chief executives in their businesses or organizations at a young age. He was always very excited about the learning opportunities the group provided and he took that learning to Wing Industries and to his community.

Sam was a devoted Catholic all his life and took an active, leadership role in several Catholic organizations. He was a member, since the early 1960s, in Saint Rita parish, and was for decades an enthusiastic member in and president of the Notre Dame Club of Dallas, which named him Notre Dame Man of the Year. Sam was a founding member of the Serra Club of Dallas, a worldwide Catholic organization that encourages new and existing vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He was a founding member and past president of the Dallas chapter of Legatus, an organization of Catholic CEOs dedicated to applying Church moral teachings to their business and private lives. He was also a member of many other Catholic organizations, including the Catholic Foundation of Dallas Board of Trustees, and was a Trustee of the Diocese of Dallas Educational Trust Fund. Sam was also a member of the worldwide Catholic organization, the Knights of Malta, having been inducted by Pope John Paul II.

Sam is predeceased by his parents, Samuel Arthur Wing, Sr. and Lavinia Bredeman Wing, by his wife Hazel Fuess Wing, by his brother Beryl Arthur Wing, by his sisters Evelyn Wing Herrin and Mary Margaret Wing Anderson, and by his second wife Gail Hairston Wing and by his step daughter-in-law, Cheryl Hairston. He is survived by his children Beryl Anita Wing, Susan Wing Oglesby and husband Marion B. Oglesby, Martha Antoinette Wing, Celia Ann Wing, Claire Marie Wing and Samuel Arthur Wing III, and by his five loving grandchildren: Glenn L. Hebert, Vincent Michael Sulsona (and great grandson Lucas), Philip James Sulsona, Casey Elizabeth Wing, and Carmen Shea Wing. He is likewise survived by many loving nieces and nephews, by six stepchildren: Beverly Luekemeyer (Chuck), Barbara Roberson (Bill), Jim Hairston, Mary Michael Leukemeyer, David Hairston (Irma), Nancy Hairston (Tish Jimenez), by 13 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great grandchildren.

Sam’s family gives profound thanks for the many kindnesses and condolences they have received in these days. Memorials may be made to The University of Notre Dame, Ursuline Academy of Dallas and Cistercian Preparatory School.

Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be at Saint Rita Catholic Church (12521 Inwood Road, Dallas) at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, followed by a graveside service at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, in Dallas.