Sammy Marvin Oates

After a brave and difficult struggle, Sammy Marvin Oates succumbed to complications from prostate cancer and died peacefully on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. He was born December 2, 1938 in Trinity, Texas, the younger of two boys born to Jake Oates and Mae Gillaspie Oates.

Sammy grew up in Austin where he attended Texas School for the Deaf. He was a star in almost every sport on campus. In 1958 he broke a record in Shot-Put, rushing an average 10.1 yards per carry, his record still stands to this day. He beat the odds, stayed humble and learned to love richly.

He was a football star at TSD. He entered Hardin Simmon University in Abilene, Texas. After several trials at NFL team, he played semi-pro teams. He married Brenda Simpson on November 24, 1962.

Sammy is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Brenda Oates; daughters, Toni and Jodi; son, Sammy, Jr. and his significant other, Priscilla Schultz; daughter-in-law, Deb Kuglitsch; and six grandchildren.

An avid bass fisherman and hunter, he had several bass and deer trophies displayed at home. Above all, Sammy was a humorous and most loved man full of smiles we will ever remember.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Texas School for the Deaf Auditorium at 1102 South Congress Avenue.

The family would like send a heartfelt thank you to Hospice Austin for their wonderful care of our loved one.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Sammy to the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation, or the TSD Booster Club, 1102 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704.