Sam Earl English II

1945 - 2025

Sam Earl English II, DDS

August 9, 1945 - November 27, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sam Earl English II, DDS, a principled, moral, and profoundly kind man of faith whose life was defined by integrity, devotion, and quiet strength. He passed away on November 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy built not on accolades alone, but on the countless lives he touched with generosity, wisdom, and unwavering character.

Born on August 9, 1945, in Portsmouth, VA, Sam distinguished himself from a young age. He graduated early from Hermitage High School and entered the Virginia Military Institute at just sixteen. At VMI, he excelled academically and as a leader, before graduating and continuing his path of discipline and achievement at the Medical College of Virginia, where he earned his degree in Dentistry.

During his time at MCV, Sam met and married Mary Jane Lowery. Shortly after his graduation, the couple moved to Fort Benning, where Sam honorably fulfilled his military commitment, rising to Captain with the United States Army.

Following his service, Sam and Mary Jane returned to his beloved home state of Virginia-now with a daughter and another soon to follow-so he could remain close to the family he held dear. It was in Virginia that Sam began building what would become one of his greatest professional accomplishments: a dental practice that expanded into a respected network of eight offices across central Virginia. Sam was not only a talented businessman but a compassionate and highly skilled dentist. Many families entrusted their care to him across generations, drawn by his fairness, steadiness, and genuine concern for every patient.

Sam's love of horses was one of the great passions of his life. What began with a few horses stabled near his Mechanicsville home grew into a flourishing thoroughbred racing and breeding operation known as English Racing Stables, with farms in Goochland, Dinwiddie, and Charles Town. The horses and the people who worked alongside him were an important and meaningful part of his daily life.

Throughout his life, Sam's faith and family remained at the heart of everything he did. Guided by a steadfast moral compass, he placed far greater value on character than on wealth or status, appreciating sincerity, hard work, and humility. The Church and his relationship with God were a guiding force in all he did. Sam enjoyed many personal interests that reflected both discipline and simplicity. He loved classic Corvettes, earned a Black Belt in Taekwondo, and found peace in visiting the beach for reflection. He loved old trucks, general stores, Western movies, and the simple treasures of bygone days that reminded him of a quieter era. Sam also had a remarkable ability to connect with people, and his encouragement, humor, and wisdom made others feel cared for in a way few could.

Above all, Sam was deeply proud of his daughters and grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater happiness than hearing about their accomplishments, their aspirations, and the lives they were building. He celebrated each milestone with heartfelt sincerity and offered unconditional love throughout their lives.

While we are heartbroken by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his parents on a farm, overlooking the fields and horses he loved so dearly. We know he will continue to guide us with the same steady presence that shaped his life.

Sam is survived by his daughters, Allison English Watkins and Stacey Elizabeth English; and by his grandchildren, Stan Watkins, Monty Watkins, and Drew Watkins; his brothers and sister; as well as many other beloved family members and special friends who will forever cherish his memory.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 7, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road. A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 8, at The Episcopal Church of the Creator, 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike. Entombment will follow in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Virginia Thoroughbred Project (virginiathoroughbredproject.org).