Sammy Tanner

Samuel Lee Tanner, age 87, passed away on January 17, 2025, at his home in Seven Points, Texas. He was born on November 9, 1937, in Denton, Texas to parents Sam and Lucile (Hodge) Tanner.

 Sammy met the love of his life, Delores in the 5th grade. They were married June 24, 1955, in Lancaster, Texas, and lived in Hutchins, Texas for most of their marriage, before moving to Seven Points, Texas.

Sammy served on the school board at Wilmer Hutchins ISD where he was an honorary member of the FFA for growing a field of corn for the AG department. He loved to go camping and enjoyed going to cattle and farm equipment auctions. Sammy and Delores raised cattle, goats, emus, hogs, and chickens on their farm of several acres.

Sammy was in the Air Force and was proud of his military service. He drove a gravel truck for many years and owned a gravel pit, a well drilling business, tire shop, and plumbing company in partnership with his sons, Terry and Tommy. Sammy was saved and baptized at Patrick Baptist Church in Ferris, Texas in 1954. He served as a Deacon, Associate Pastor, and Pastor at Aley Family Worship Church in Seven Points, Texas. Sammy was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. 

Sammy is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Lucile Tanner; son, Tommy; and sister, Wanda Pyle.

Sammy is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Delores of Seven Points, Texas; son, Terry and wife Marilyn of Ashdown, Arkansas; daughter, Melinda and husband Toby of Waxahachie, Texas; daughter, Beverlee and husband Kenny of Seven Points, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Vida and husband Frank of Gun Barrel City, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends, and loved ones.