John Sammons, Sr.

Memorial services for John Fullerton Sammons, 86, of Temple will be held at 2 PM Friday, March 6, 2009 at First Baptist Church of Temple with Reverend Martin Knox and Reverend Brian Dunks officiating. A private family service will be held prior at Hillcrest Cemetery. Mr. Sammons died Tuesday, March 3 in the late afternoon after a long illness. He was born near Eatonton in rural Putnam County, Georgia on August 12, 1922 to parents Ulmont Bransford Sammons and Emma Lizzie Fullerton Sammons. After graduating from Oconee County High School he received a BBA degree with honors from the University of Georgia in 1942. While there he was active in numerous clubs and organizations. He also was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army through the ROTC program. Immediately thereafter, he joined the military during WWII. Prior to leaving for the European Theatre as a Lieutenant in the 3rd Army under the command of General George S. Patton he was stationed at Fort Hood where he was a procurement officer for his troop. On a purchasing trip to buy supplies he stopped in old Temple Hardware and met his future wife of 62 years Marilyn Laramey, a sales clerk for her dad, the owner Avriett Laramey. Driving back to Fort Hood his driver, Sgt. Sam French, asked Lt. Sammons if he had gotten the girl's phone number. Immediately they turned back and returned to the store to ask her name and number and asked if he could give her a call. His diary recalls that day as "I've met the girl I am going to marry!" After a successful courtship of Marilyn and her mother, a lifelong romance was begun. During the war he fought through the hedgerows of France after landing as part of the Second Wave of soldiers to reach Omaha Beach. He left a detailed written legacy of the battles fought, friends lost, challenges faced and ultimate victory over such a terrible force. His many buddies stayed in close contact throughout the years and got together often, corresponded much and celebrated the lives daily that they almost lost so many years ago. The horrors of war and the difficulties faced prepared him for any challenges to come with a feeling that no matter the problem, it was nothing compared to what he had survived. He was a true lover of this country and still stood on old feeble legs at full salute whenever the flag passed by. Marilyn and John were married after the war on August 3, 1946 in the old Grace Presbyterian Church. He joined the church and spent many years as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Church Treasurer. Mr. Sammons became active in his new home of Temple joining the family business and involving himself in civic clubs and public service. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Vice President of the Temple Jaycees, a Mason and a Shriner for over 50 years and a former Vic e President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. He was also the President and Co-owner of Temple Supply Company, Inc. He was happy with his new city and life. They had a son and then a daughter, John, Jr. and Lynn. They truly lived the American dream. Both enjoyed many friends through business relationships, school involvement and numerous trips across our nation and the world. His public service career included two terms on the Temple School Board from 1961 - 1967, including one term as President during the construction of the new High School. He also served on the Temple City Commission for 1974 - 1976. During this time his children married, John to Marilyn and Lynn to Gary. They would become as two other children to him and he loved them with all his heart. The family grew with the addition of grandchildren and he reveled with each new child. They were all "the most beautiful and talented" children in the world. His love of family and dedication to them led him to his greatest gift, his total commitment to provide a life of security and opportunity for them to achieve any dreams they may have had. He encouraged all to chase out their dreams and think big, but to do all with a sense of honor and love for each other. He truly provided the wind beneath all wings to soar to anything aspired. Eventually, he returned to the Baptist Faith of his youth and joined the First Baptist Church, Temple, TX. He loved the Lord, his family, his friends, America and his little dog Missy. As the years went by, this was more than enough for a man who was born with high intelligence, talent and passion for so many interesting things. He wrote his family so many beautiful treasures of advice and encouragement. In one of his last to us all he closed with "My prayers every day are for each one of us - for health and safety - for success and happiness - and thanks to our Heavenly Father for all that only He could have done! My love for all of you is unbounded. Marilyn and I are so grateful for the family we have created! We look forward to the future! Go with God!" And we will Dad, you were the best. John Fullerton Sammons was preceded in death by his older brother, U.B. Sammons, Jr. Survivors include his wife Marilyn; one son John F. Sammons, Jr., and wife Marilyn of Fort Worth, TX; one daughter Lynn Sammons Darst and husband Gary of Arlington, TX; 5 grandchildren - Elisa and husband Bruce Etter, Melanie and husband David Jarvis, John Sammons III, Derek Darst and wife Melissa, Casi Darst and 6 great grandchildren - Drew, Jackson, Preston, Avery, Dylan and Maren. The family request in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to First Baptist Church Children's Ministry, Scott and White Hospital Heart Research Institute, Temple Humane Society or Lena Pope Home.