Floyd Wayne Samford, 58, of Waco went home to his Heavenly Father Tuesday, February 11, 2020. He died peacefully, although unexpectedly, in his sleep at home. Services will be held at 10:00 am at Bellmead Funeral Home, Saturday, February 15th with Rev. Jerry Freedman officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8pm Thursday, February 13th at Bellmead Funeral Home.
Wayne was born September 11, 1961 in Mexia, Tx to Dalton and Betty Samford.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father Dalton. He is survived by Pam, his loving wife of almost 35 years; daughter Cameron Garrett and husband James; son William and wife Kelsey; grandchildren Levi, Nora and Knox Garrett all of Waco. He is also survived by his mother Betty of Waco; in-laws Ralph and Patty Sanders of Brookshire; brother Joe and children Ashley Darling and husband Mark, and TJ Samford of Waco; brothers-in-law Jimmy Sanders, wife Erin and children Sarah and Allison of Brookshire, Bobby Sanders, wife Nicole and children Jackson, Hank and Hadley of Katy and Doug Sanders, wife Lenita and children Natali, Diego and Dario of Sugar Land; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
The horses and donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, etc. all seem to sense that something isn't the same. No one else we know has the ability to 'speak' to the animals the way Wayne did. They all instinctively knew they could trust his gentle nature and loving touch and they miss him. While his love for them was great, it could never compare to his love for his family. He adored his children more than they will ever know and his grandchildren even more than that. Family dinners, camping trips, holidays, beach vacations�all were best as long as the kids were all with us. We did enjoy some fun trips, just the two of us, and some special times with our good friends and extended family. He enjoyed frequent, and often daily, visits with his mom especially when she cooked for him and helped him with his animals or any other project. He had an excitement and an enthusiasm at every opportunity to do for others, especially when it involved a fish fry or homemade jelly.
Wayne also had a special love for his Alma Mater. We had to live in the La Vega school district so his children could go to the same school he did. And they did. He was proud to see them teach and coach at the same school and share in his love for the Pirates. More days than not, he could be found at the field house or any of the concession stands or at Sam's preparing for the next event. He wanted others to see the good things going on at La Vega and was proud to serve on the School Board for over five years, stepping down so his children would have opportunities to work in the district.
Church offered another family for Wayne to love. He was a charter member of the Bethel Methodist Church of Robinson faithfully attending for years. He served as an usher, member of the Board of Stewards and other committees throughout the years. One of his favorite church 'jobs' was providing the petting zoo for our Fall Festivals. These friends have truly been family for us through some of the best and worst seasons of our lives and we love them all.
Friends came easily for Wayne once he opened up to people. He genuinely loved people and cared about them and for them. His gentle spirit was a contrast to his strong, calloused hands as he always worked hard at whatever task was before him. His soft spot was always children. He opened his heart and our home to more than the children we shared, and we have been blessed over the years by many 'bonus' sons and daughters. We thanked God for the blessings they were in our lives.
My heart is grieved by the deep, cavernous hole that is left by losing him. I am so thankful God picked him for me and the life we had together. We were richly blessed, and I will love him always.
Pallbearers: Levi Garrett, TJ Samford, Jackson Sanders, Hank Sanders, Curtis Shelton, Raymond Koon, Barrett Hutchison, David Warehime, Mark Mazanec and Jeff Harriman.
Honorary Pallbearers: Knox Garrett, Diego Sanders, Dario Sanders and Mike Sanders.
Memorials may be made to the La Vega Pirates Education Foundation or the Bethel Methodist Church of Robinson.