Sam Thomas, III was born on May 6, 1955, to Sam and Nita Chapman Thomas and died on August 11, 2026, in Dallas, Texas after a long battle with heart disease.
Sam grew up in Ruston, Louisiana, where many of his lifelong friends remain today. He attended Allen Military Academy, Ruston High School, and Louisiana Tech University. While at Tech, he was a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Sam moved to Dallas in 1976 and later to New Orleans, Louisiana; Clearwater, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee, before returning to Dallas in 2023. He made enduring friendships at every stop.
Sam was a fun-loving, guitar-playing man who lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. With his easy smile, quick wit, and generous spirit, he had a way of making everyone around him feel like an old friend. Music was a big part of his life, and he could often be found with a guitar in his hands, sharing a song, a laugh, or a good story. He embraced every adventure, treasured time with his family and friends, and never let life pass him by. His unforgettable personality, joyful spirit, and love for people will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Temple Baptist Church was the church Sam, and his siblings grew up in.
A Celebration of Sam’s Life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Kimbro’s Café and Pickin’ Parlor in Franklin, Tennessee, a place Sam loved, surrounded by the family and friends he cherished.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Nita Chapman Thomas, and his sister, Libbi Thomas.
He is survived by his devoted partner, Gina Offinger Baker; his sons, Sam Thomas IV and wife Michelle of Cumming, Georgia, and Patrick Thomas and wife Stacey of Brandon, Mississippi; his sons’ mother, Kathy Miller Frasier; his grandchildren, Sam Thomas V, Tyler Thomas, Audrey Thomas, and Louie Thomas; his sister, Patti Thomas Harper and husband Jerry; his brother, Joe Thomas and wife Robin of Texarkana, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifetime friends.
The family requests that those wishing to make memorials honoring Sam consider The American Heart Association.
