Sam Sterling

Sam A. Sterling, age 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Weslaco, Texas.
Sam was born on July 23, 1950, in Greenville, Texas, a son of the late Judith Kiner and Arthur Vernon Strayhorn.
Sam served his country in the United States Marine Corps, and was deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After his years of service and honorable discharge, he attended and played Division I football for East Texas State University, where he helped the Lions earn a National Football Championship in 1972.
Sam then found his knack for commercial construction, where he spent decades building retail stores, hotels, multifamily housing, and assisted living facilities. His leadership, oversight, management, and development resulted in remarkable success to his company, CMG Commercial Contracting, Inc., as well as various other companies.
Sam will be remembered for his love of music and his gift for sharing it with others. With a voice reminiscent of George Jones, he brought life to the old country classics he sang. Whether on stage or among friends, he entertained countless crowds and his voice created lasting memories of music and happiness. He loved watching western movies, military documentaries, and football, but never missed a chance to tell a story or a joke. An avid storyteller and entertainer at heart, Sam's greatest pride was not found in his many achievements and accomplishments, but in his children and grandchildren, who were the true joy of his life.
In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by two brothers, Tommy Shirley and Clarence Joseph "Butch" Strayhorn, and one nephew, Allen Joseph Strayhorn. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Jones Sterling; brother, Fred (Deborah) Strayhorn; daughters, Trecia Sterling and Tracy Sterling; step-children Gabriel (Jana) Vasquez, Ashley (Eddie) Rivas, and Joe (Brenda) Villarreal; grandchildren, Keely, Braxten, Tifini (Dillon), Cassandra, Brinley, Brycen, Shawn (Morgan), Mia (Jacob), Juan Jr., Jordana, and Ethan; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Elijah, Shawn, Mateus, and Ehlani; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sam will be interred at the National Cemetery in Houston, Texas with military honors.