Sam Anthony Turneabe passed away Sept. 10. He is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter Elizabeth Turneabe and Michael Paffenroth; and daughter Christine Connelly and husband Joey Connelly. He will be missed by his extended family and dear friends.
Born Sarafino Turneabe on Jan. 3, 1938 in Dallas, Sam was the son of Anthony Turneabe and Bessie Grizzaffi Turneabe, who raised him among the close-knit Italian American community. He graduated from North Dallas High School in 1955 and earned his bachelor’s degree at Southern Methodist University. Upon joining the United States Air Force in 1961, he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where he met and married his first wife, Irene Waters. Sam left the Air Force as a captain in 1966 and settled with his family in Garland, Texas.
Over the years, he led a diverse career, including medical sales, auto parts retail, and real estate management. Sam later retired to Fate, Texas, and married Alice Robbins in 2010. They moved back to Garland, where he enjoyed spending time with their combined families and close friends.
Sam was a man of many interests and numerous hobbies. He spent countless hours rebuilding old sports cars and jogging around White Rock Lake. He was a respected and award-winning dog obedience trainer for many years. Sam was an avid hunter and proud member of the NRA. He also had a passion for the community and dedicated time to various civic organizations in Garland, including Jaycees, community theatre, Citizens Police Academy, and City of Garland Planning Board. Sam will be laid to rest at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas alongside his family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sam’s name to a charity of your choice
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