Sam Countiss
Sam Countiss passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, on the family farm doing what he loved to do most.
Sam was born June 3, 1943, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to John and Ruth Countiss. He grew up on the family farm in Waurika, Oklahoma. He was a 1961 graduate of Waurika High School and a 1965 graduate of Oklahoma State University. Following graduation, he returned to the family farm in Waurika where he continued farming until his death. He served in the Oklahoma National Guard for six years. Sam married Glenda Kendrick on July 7, 1967, in Waurika, where they raised two daughters. He was a great husband and father. His favorite activity was attending the livestock shows and helping his girls with their pigs.
Sam was very involved in the community and thought there was no better place to live than Waurika. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Waurika where he served on numerous boards and committees. He was instrumental in starting the Methodist Men's Club where he served as president for over thirty years. In addition, he truly enjoyed singing in the choir, especially his signature solo "Peace in the Valley."
Sam supported the local FFA Chapter and received awards at the local and state levels and served as auctioneer for numerous fundraisers. He was also known for his "SAM-burgers" which he prepared for many community functions. He was president of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau for years and was named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer of Oklahoma and National Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer in 1971. He was a longtime active member of the Waurika Young Farmers.
Sam served on the Jefferson County Rural Water District #1 board for nine years, as well as the Jefferson County Farm Service Agency and Jefferson County Hospital boards. Sam was an excellent steward of the land. He was forever trying to control the mesquite and thistle population. He was named the outstanding contributor for his accomplishments by the Jefferson County Conservation District in 2004. He also served on the Waurika Cemetery Board for ten years.
He served as grand marshal of the Waurika Homecoming parade and looked forward to riding on his tractor and throwing candy each year at the Waurika Christmas Parade where he served as the grand marshal in 2014.
Sam loved the morning coffee shop stops and visiting with his friends. He also looked forward to his evening chats with his friends Shelton and Montgomery. After becoming ill in 2003 Sam never lost his optimistic and positive attitude. He always said "Everyday is a great day" and lived by the motto NEVER GIVE UP.
He is survived by his wife Glenda, of the home; two daughters - Angela Countiss of Lawton, OK, and Amy Countiss of Wichita Falls, TX; two sisters - Frances Ann Jackson and her husband Biff of Ringling, OK, and Jane Carter and her husband Gary of Waurika, OK; and his many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. E. Countiss and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Smith.
A special thanks to Gayle Austin and Dutch Elkins for their help so Sam could still go to the barn, check his wheat and cattle, and go to his office every day.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 15, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Waurika with David Hale and Adam Brinson officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday at the Dudley Funeral Home Chapel. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Waurika.