Samuel Earl Pippins

SAMUEL (Sam) EARL PIPPINS was born on February 14, 1956, in Longview, Texas, as the eighth of 15 children to Bobbie Joe and Juanita Denton Pippins.

Like most of the Pippins Children, Sam excelled in schoolwork and was active in the Friendship Baptist Church. At Friendship some of his roles included choir member, the usher board and Sunday School teacher.

Sam’s childhood included academic achievements from East Ward Elementary and Longview High School to Kilgore College – all the way to the University of Texas at Arlington.

Sam stood out as a student at Longview High School. He was involved in social clubs and was a member of the men’s track and field team.

After graduating high school in 1974, Sam became a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. He studied organization and mission customs with special instructions to human relations.

After the Air Force, Sam returned to Longview. After working 10-plus years as an electrician for Texas Utilities, Sam sought out his true passion of advocacy and began work utilizing his knowledge in human relations and social services.

Sam worked for many local nursing facilities throughout East Texas. Sam was one of the first black, male social workers in the area. He was respected for the tireless advocacy work he did.

Sam had one son, Philip, where at a time, Sam raised and reared him as a single father.

Wanting to show Philip that life and goals are limitless, he decided to go back to school and received a formal education as a 40-something-year-old student. Sam gained the respect of administration, faculty, and students alike. Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1997 from the University of Texas at Arlington – with honors.

Sam hit the ground running during and after graduation by being a voice for the voiceless in the aging community. A true advocate, Sam was respected and accepted and still talked about in circles today. Even after his health declined, everyone still knew THE Sam Pippins.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Bobbie and Juanita; a brother, Baby (Frank) Pippins; his nieces Waverly Champion and Trequlia Pippins; great-niece Angel Randall; and great-nephews Aquiche Pippins, Jordyn Henderson and LaDarvian George.

Sam leaves to cherish his memories, his only son, Philip Pippins and daughter-in-law, Charela and grandsons Odin and Aries.

Sam’s brothers are Larry (Barbara) Pippins, Tommie Pippins, Kenneth (Cheryl) Pippins, Cedric (Linda) Pippins, and Brad (Darkecia) Pippins. His sisters include Bobbie Ann Hickman, Linda (Harold) Mayo, Jean (Jerriel) Dixon, Alice Pippins, Deborah Mitchell, Phyllis (Larry) Rose, Sheron Pippins, Renita Pippins and Lisa Pippins.

Sam also leaves behind over 45 nieces and nephews; his cousins (The Pippins – Arlington, The Taylors, The Moodys, The Craytons and The Wilsons). Additionally, Sam leaves behind his Friendship Baptist Church family; his Bivins Addition family; those in the aging network, friends of the United States Air Force, and forever friendships of the staffs of Highland Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation and Heritage at Longview Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

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