- Date Of Birth: July 6, 1946
- Date Of Death: January 13, 2021
- State: New Mexico
Thomas E. Samford, 74, known as Papa Tom to his grandchildren, was born July 6, 1946 in Odessa, Texas, to Thomas Leroy and Evelyn Francis Milam Samford. Thomas passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021 in his hometown of Odessa.
Thomas married the love of his life Betsy Jo Janice Phillips on November 1, 1977 in Dallas, Texas. He worked for Luber-Finer/ Champion for the majority of his career until his retirement. Dad enjoyed hunting, reading about history, especially American History, researching his family’s ancestry, and reminiscing about his adventures with his two cousins Sam & Garry Ben Samford whom he loved like brothers.
Thomas is survived by his mother, Evelyn Francis Milam Samford of Hobbs, NM, his wife of 43 years Betsy Jo Janice, which he lovingly called “Speeds” of Hobbs, NM. He is survived by his five children which he loved dearly; his two sons: Thomas “Kyle” Samford and his wife Ann-Marie of Fate, Texas; Charles “Charlie” Self and his wife Dawn of Farmers Branch, Texas; his three daughters: Michelle “Mick” Fowler and her husband Johnny of Winder, GA; Rebecca “Rebo” Self of Irving, TX; Shelby Foerster and her husband Rick of Magnolia, TX; and beloved sister Debra “Deb” Hyden of Andrews, TX; his eight grandchildren for which he loved beyond measure: Thomas “Austin” Samford, Chelsea Laughrun, Ian & Isaac Self, Abby & Ethan Sproles and Emily & Ashleigh Fowler.
He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Leroy Samford, uncle Pierre Samford, paternal grandparents Thomas L. Sr. & Lucinda Samford, maternal grandparents Eugene & Hattie Milam.
