Samuel "Sam" McCright Jr.

Samuel "Sam" Arthur McCright, Jr. passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023 in Terrell, Texas with the love of his life beside him. Sam was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 17, 1943 to Samuel Arthur and Ina Lucille McCright. Both of his parents have preceded him in death along with sister Becky Shields. To know Sam was to know a man with a heart of gold. Sam's passion was playing the trumpet. He started playing when he was 7 years old and played his horn the rest of his life. He always found himself in first chair of any band he was a part of. For many years, Sam played in the Mesquite Symphonic Band and The Nobles of Note big band for the Shriners Temple, playing a dance just several days before he passed. Sam was a member of Bugles Across America and volunteered playing Taps at many veterans' funerals . He also was involved with the Patriot Guard Riders and played at many veteran's day events. Sam served his country as a member of the Air National Guard for 10 years including during the Viet Nam War. Sam loved cars, especially his Austin Healey 3000, which he and his wife enjoyed, and formed a group of other Healey owners to ride around together and build comradery. He also had a race car for a few years. After graduating from The University of Tulsa, Sam worked for several pharmaceutical companies during his career. After a move from Tulsa to Humble, Texas, Sam was actively involved in coaching soccer for a select team, which led to him becoming a state-level soccer referee. He also found time to get his Black Belt in karate, selling donuts every Friday morning for two years at the high school to raise money for Project Graduation. He continued his sports officiating after moving to Terrell, first in soccer and then many years as a white hat football official for Dallas Football Officials Association. He retired from the field after suffering sudden cardiac arrest while refereeing a game. He was brought back to life with an AED machine and made the front page of the Dallas Morning News, He then moved to clock operator and recently did two playoff games. After retiring from the drug business, Sam and his wife had an estate sale business, he worked at the knife shop in Terrell and then went to work for Platinum Ford in Terrell as a courier, happy to drive so many different cars. Sam lived life to the fullest but his greatest joy was always his beloved family. Those left to carry on Sam's love and legacy are his wife of 56 years, Karen McCright, daughters Stacy Allen and husband Dave, and Shelby Carino and husband Joe along with Sam's beloved kitties and grandkitties. Also left to remember Sam's cherished memories are his brother Rodney McCright and wife Katie of Fort Smith, Arkansas and sister Sally Mathews and husband Eddie of Luther, Oklahoma, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, family and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bugles Across America at https://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/ A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel at 2:00 p.m.

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Samuel "Sam" McCright Jr.

November 17, 1943 - November 25, 2023