Samuel Layton Huey

SAMUEL LAYTON HUEY FEB 26, 1921 - NOV 27, 2010 Sam Huey passed away Saturday night after a short illness. He was 89. Sam, a longtime resident of Riverbank is survived by his wife of 65 years Wilma; daughter Debra Brescia of Sonora; daughter Cherise Loff of Oakdale; seven grand- children; and ten great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Samuel. Sam was born to John and Etta Huey on a cotton farm near Floydada, Texas. He joined the Texas National Guard after High School and quickly found himself mobilized with the Fighting 36th Texas Division'' at the outbreak of World War II. Sam started the war in N. Africa and fought with his unit through Italy, France, Germany, and Austria emerging unscathed with an Army Division that had taken the second highest casualty rate of any in WWII and one that set a record of 100+ continuous days of combat. Given his humor it is difficult to know whether he was more proud of Texas, the 36th, or of having entered the war as a private and coming back four years later at the same rank. Following the war Sam traveled to California, met and married Wilma and completed barber college. He owned a barbershop in downtown Riverbank for many years. Sam was also an accomplished horseman and saddlemaker. You could often find him in his Bridlery Shop which doubled as his garage smoking cigars with the clientele. In 1965, on a lark, Sam and Wilma purchased 160 acres along Bridge Lake in British Columbia and made that their home 6 months of the year until 1984. Sam was notable for his wit,singing voice, independence, ingenuity, and love for the American flag. He will be fondly remembered for the laughter he brought to all family gatherings and certainly missed by any and all who had dealings with him. A graveside service will be held at the Ceres Cemetery on West Whitmore Avenue in Ceres at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 3rd. www.modbee.com/obituaries