Sam Benjamin Sewell

Sam Benjamin Sewell, age 78 of Coldspring, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018. He was born November 6, 1939 in Houston, Texas to parents Green H. Sewell and Ethel Thomas Sewell who he is preceded in death by, along with his brothers, I.O. “Bo” Sewell, James Sewell, and Melvin “Mutt” Sewell; and sisters, Ruth McKellar, Mary Lou Sewell, Helen Childers, and Velma Irene Sewell.

Survivors include his loving wife, Beth Sewell; son, Tony Sewell and wife Jessica; daughter, Cheri Walker and husband Brad; brother, Joe Sewell and wife Melba; grandchildren, Megan Price, Bradley Caddenhead and wife Savanna, Natalie Sewell, Hannah Beth Sewell, and Benjamin Sewell; great-grandchildren, Shaelynn Price, Blaize Caddenhead, and Rylie Caddenhead; numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Raised in Coldspring, Sam worked as a mechanic at his family’s Chevrolet dealership throughout his high school years and after he graduated in 1958. Growing up around the shop sparked his love of fast cars and honed his mechanical skills. Building and racing his cars became Sam’s favorite activity. In 1962 he met Sara Beth Locke from Tarkington and the courtship began. On May 14, 1963 Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army proudly serving 3 years including 1 tour in Vietnam. Sam and Beth were married on Dec 27, 1963. That was the beginning of their 54-year adventure as best friends and soul mates.

After his time in the army, Sam and Beth returned to Coldspring where his entrepreneurial spirit and mechanical aptitude guided him through several careers. He enjoyed using his talents to help his friends and neighbors. Everyone knew that if you had a piece of equipment that was broken and you could not get the right part, Sam could throw a chunk of steel in his old manual lathe and make the part you needed. Many times he would see a flaw in the design of the part and you would end up with a “one of a kind” part that would outperform the original. Sam was also extremely skilled at driveway construction. Everyone knew when they saw Sam working on a driveway with his bright green motor grader and yellow packer the end result would be top quality.

He loved tending the garden and working with his hands. He appreciated the simple things in life that many of us in today’s highspeed society miss, like sitting on the back porch with Beth and a cup of coffee while watching the humming birds zip around. The small-town pace was perfect for Sam because it gave him time to “make his rounds” in town and have coffee with his friends. Those friends are really more than friends, they became family. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit, but Sam’s warm smile and quiet demeanor was his trademark and they will be sorely missed.

Sam Sewell was a loving and devoted husband, the best father, an awesome grandfather/ great grandfather and a great friend. The world has lost a great man, but Sam had given his heart to Jesus, now our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Coldspring, Texas. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Coldspring, Texas. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Coldspring, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to First Baptist Church, Coldspring, Texas or Laurel Hill Cemetery Association, Coldspring, Texas.