Samuel W Prestidge Jr.

Sam graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Baylor University in Waco and Southwestern Seminary in Ft Worth. He also received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene.

He began his music ministry at FBC Seymour, Tx and then served as Minister of Music at Baptist Temple in San Antonio, Tx. In 1961 he was hired by the Baptist General Convention as Associate Director to Pete Forderhase and became Director of the Church Music Department in 1971. Among his many accomplishments, Sam is credited for establishing The Singing Men of Texas in 1975 , the Texas Baptist All-State Youth Choir in 1976, the Texas Baptist All-State Youth Band in 1978 and All-State Strings in 1994.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gail Pruitt Prestidge, his sister Quinieve Bilton, and his wife of 59 years, Geneva Anderson Prestidge.

Sam is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Lew and Terri Prestidge; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and John Phillips; 4 grandchildren, Kelsey Davis, Kristin McClary, Kasi Asbill, and Walter Phillips, 4 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of wonderful friends.

https://texasbaptists.givingfuel.com/prestidge-scholarship-fund

A Memorial service will be held at Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church, 9810 La Prada Dr, Dallas Tx. on Tuesday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m. with viewing and visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m. Internments will be in Grove Hill Memorial Park immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sam and Geneva Prestidge Scholarship Fund through the Baptist General Convention Church Music Department.