Samuel Lee Hathaway (Sam), 75, finished his race and entered into the presence of Jesus on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Sam was born December 17, 1949 in Shreveport, LA to Metta Hathaway and Samuel Edward Hathaway. Married to Brenda Kay Biggs for 56 years, the couple had three children, Timothy Shane, 52 of Waxahachie, TX, Samuel Trent, 48, of Shady Point, OK, and Misty Dawn Hathaway-Rivas, 45, of Arlington, TX. A hard worker and dedicated father, Sam was a jack of all trades. He worked on small engines, autos, home repairs and helped his children with building and maintenance projects, and always took time to teach them something new when the situation arose. Sam was a fighter. He sustained a severe brain injury at the age of 12 after he was thrown and stepped on by his horse. His ability to read and reason altered, Sam faced difficulty but never failed to do what was necessary to learn new skills, such as running heavy equipment for his father's construction company at the age of 16, becoming lead man at building Prowler RVs, or providing for his family for decades.

Marrying Kay Biggs on April 5, 1969 at the age of 19, the two lived in Longview and enjoyed water skiing and time outdoors. As their family grew, Sam and Kay moved to Arlington, Texas to allow Sam opportunity to further his trade as a Machinist, ultimately working at Ketema in Grand Prairie for nearly 25 years before retiring in 2009 at the age of 59.

Sam loved Jesus. Although his walk was long and winding, this father wanted his family to know and honor the Lord. With his own father passing away in 1968 when Sam was 18, and his mother in 1983, Sam wanted to be around for his family in order to share God's love with everyone from the children he picked up while working bus ministry at Longview Baptist Temple, to his neighbors during his final days. Sam tried to be an example he had never seen. He constantly told his children and grandchildren he loved them and was proud of the people they had become and were becoming.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, three children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, one great grandson, and numerous family members who will miss his caring smile and jovial laughter. Sam was deeply loved and has left a legacy of faith in Christ for many generations to follow.

Two Memorials are scheduled as follows:

• Saturday, September 6th: 11:00 @ Fielder Church in Arlington, TX
• Friday, September 19th: 5:00 @ Friendship Church in Carthage, TX

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope After Brain Injury (HABI)
http://Hopeafterbraininjury.org