Tony Samford

Tony Samford, 85 of Etoile, previously of Burnet, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, January 8th, 2024 in a Lufkin nursing home. He was born February 16, 1938 in Shelby County and raised by his mother, Auvy Nell Chandler and his grandmother, Estelle “Mammy” Samford. He was of the Baptist faith.

After graduating from Shelbyville High School where he excelled in baseball, Tony and his wife Catherine moved to Burnet, where they began a family and started their own successful floor covering business. In his spare time, Tony enjoyed coaching and refereeing high school sporting events and hunting with his three sons and many friends all over the Western U.S. In 1985 he moved to Lufkin, Texas where he became Manager of Lufkin Block. In 1991 Tony and Catherine moved to the Etoile Community where he began pursuing his lifelong passion for fishing and trot-lining. Upon his retirement from Timberline Construction, Tony enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and working part-time as a fence rider for the Timberline Hunting Club with his trusted Blue Lacy Hounds. He was a loving father and grandfather who was always there for those he loved.

Survivors include his sons, Stacy and wife Kim of South Carolina, Stuart and fiancée Juanita of Huntington, and Steven and wife Karen of Etoile; grandchildren, Trevor, Walker, Haley, Caitlyn, Kayli and Logan; and many great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Catherine Samford; his mother, Auvy Nell Chandler; and his grandmother, Estelle “Mammy” Samford.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.