Sammie Malcolm Blakely

“Sam” was adopted at an early age by Howard Blakely, who predeceased him in 2000.

He is survived by his mother, Esta Pansy Blakely, of Boerne, his father, Billy Joe Faust, of Texas City, two wonderful sons, Jared Ellis Blakely of San Antonio and Jonathan Andrew Blakely, also of San Antonio; four brothers, Blake Howard Blakely of Bandera, George Faust of Houston, Jeffrey Faust of Houston, and Robert Faust of Texas City, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.

Sam was raised in the Dallas area and spent most of his youth at Lake Texoma, where he enjoyed roaming the great outdoors. He graduated from Dallas Baptist College in 1971 with a religion and philosophy degree and thereafter attended Southwestern Theological Seminary. He served 13 years in the military, serving both in an airborne unit and as a commander of an M-1 tank platoon. Subsequent to his honorable discharge, he spent five years in church ministry as a Minister of Education and Business Administrator for First Baptist Church in Boerne as well as other churches in the San Antonio area.

Shortly after leaving Boerne, Sam joined USAA and served as a manager and instructor for over 13 years in San Antonio and Phoenix, Ariz. While employed by USAA, Sam touched the lives of many of his co-workers and developed life long friendships. Sam loved serving Jesus, teaching adults, teaching the Bible, table games and spending time with his sons. Additionally, he had the opportunity to take part in an archeological dig in Israel and traveled most of Western Europe.

Sam will be dearly missed by his friends and family, but we all rejoice that he is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

There will be a celebration of Sam’s life held on April 14, at Lake Texoma. For details, please call (830) 796-9151.