Sam Wigington Obituary

Sam Wigington III

May 15, 1944 - Jul 9, 2025

Sam Wigington III, 81, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, surrounded by his children. Sam was a devoted father, brother, son, and a beloved "Uncle Bubba" and "Sammy". He will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his tireless work ethic, and his unwavering commitment to service and community.

Born on May 15, 1944, on an army base in Sebring, Florida, Sam was the only son of Sam and Katherine Wigington and grew up alongside his two sisters, Kay and Jerri Lea. He was raised in Beaumont, Texas, where he spent his childhood playing sports, delivering newspapers, and - as his sisters fondly recall - always staying busy.

Sam later moved to College Station, where he earned a degree in Agronomy from Texas A&M University in 1970. A lifelong Aggie, Sam was a dedicated supporter of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He began his career at Texas A&M in the Veterinary Pathology department as a technician before transitioning to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital, where he served as the Large Animal Clinical Manager. In 2011, he became Director of Facilities.

One of Sam's most significant contributions came in 2005, when the state designated the Large Animal Hospital as a surge facility for human patients evacuated during Hurricane Rita. Sam was instrumental in the hospital's transformation and operation during that critical time. His leadership during this emergency sparked his passion for disaster response and led to his involvement in developing evacuation plans for Brazos County. Alongside colleagues at the College of Veterinary Medicine, he also helped establish the Veterinary Emergency Team - a first-of-its-kind group of veterinary responders who assist during natural disasters to ensure the safety and well-being of animals across Texas.

Sam retired in 2016 but continued to serve the community through various emergency management committees. He remained a respected voice in disaster preparedness and response throughout his later years.

Sam is survived by his sisters, Kay and Jerri Lea, and his children: Jennifer Diaz, Heather Maass (Paul), Chip Wigington, Cassie McFarland (Bobby), and Morgan Wigington. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Wigington Jr. and Katherine Wigington.

Sam's legacy is one of dedication, generosity, and service - a life well-lived and well-loved.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Sam and a life well lived.

Hillier of Bryan

2301 E. 29th St., Bryan, TX 77802