 In 1981, at the age of 18 and at the recommendation of Tom Fields, Sammy hired into Allen Bradley (Rockwell Automation). While working in the warehouse Sammy surprised everyone when he started playing with this new product called the PLC. Without any formal training he taught himself how to assemble and program PLC's. Shortly, there after Allen Bradley invested in AC Drives and Sammy taught himself how to set up and program drives. From there he taught himself about computers and then software and before too long Sammy had single handily created Sammy Stratton, the Technical Specialist at Allen Bradley. His technical skills and product knowledge were in high demand by the company, the customers, distributors and coworkers - first in the Houston territory then later in the Dallas territory. Every customer, distributor and coworker liked and loved Sammy. They loved him for his technical support. But mostly, they loved him for his kindness - the way he provided the support. Sammy made every person feel special. He was their teacher, mentor, friend, and security. Never in my 40+ years as a friend and coworker have I seen another person touch more customers, have a greater positive impact on customers and greater positive impact to Rockwell's business. 
On a personal note, in my 40+ years knowing Sammy, I watched him mature into a man, become a husband and then a father. He was a great family man - doing all he could to be the very best husband and father. He was kind to all. I admired Sammy. Thank you for all you did to help me in my career, Sammy. Well done, Sammy ! For 40+ years you did not disappoint. Rest in peace my friend.

Sammy made people feel warm inside. He was  such a joy to be around and a total kid at heart. He would do anything for anyone, as long as you had cheeseburgers to trade! Sammy was always sure to remind me that work will take as much of your time as you let it, and that it’s more important to do what makes you happy. I’ll never forget Sammy’s smile, and how wonderful it felt to know you had earned his pride. You will be so missed Sammy, but all of your lessons live on through so many of us that you had an impact on. 

My friend Sammy, 
I am so disheartened to hear that my friend Sammy pasted away. It seems so unfair that such a caring and unselfish person like Sammy should have his retirement cut so short. His retirement should have been a long and pleasant one after such a productive work life.  But I am sure that Sammy would be disappointed in me, and correct me for being disheartened, Sammy was a positive individual, negativity was just not his way.  So, I will get my act together and get on with life as Sammy would expect me to do.  While I knew Sammy through working with him, he was much more than a coworker. Sammy was a coach to me, and friend who helped me with more than just work.  Rest in Peace my friend! You are missed!


Candice, Jeremy, Jaclyn and Jordan, 
Sandy and I would like to extend  our deepest sympathy on the passing of Sammy.  He was a good husband, father  and grandfather to all of you .  I have fond memories of the times we were able to spend together when the family visited Iowa or we visited Kansas and Texas .  He was a good Christian man that you can be proud of.   He was a great role model.  As always, we will continue praying  for all of you.

Mickey, Larry and Beth Anne,  we are saddened by the passing of you brother Sammy.  You to have our deepest sympathy.  He will be greatly missed.    You also will be in our thoughts and prayers 

Carl & Sandy Wagner

This saddens me deeply.  I, like a lot of you have very fond memories  of Sammy over the last 20+ years I've known him and will truly miss his humor, expertise and professionalism. One major regret I have is, we talked on regular occasion on taking a motorcycle trip together and it never came to pass.

As we all suffer and mourn here on this earth, I am certain of one thing, Sammy is in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I will bet you that he heard "Well done my good and faithful servant" when he got there.

Rest in Peace my friend, until we meet again........................

Sammy was an amazing mentor and counterpart to me in the Software and Controls TC space at Rockwell Automation. He taught me early on in my career how not only to  move in integrity, no matter the circumstance, but also took it a step further in ensuring I excelled by holding me accountable to going above and beyond with how I treated others and how I treated myself. Sammy will be extremely missed and my thoughts and prayers go to the Stratton family as you all carry on his great legacy.


Sincerely,

Christopher M. Jackson

Sammy’s influence in my life, and my family’s, will be carrying on for a long time. I am so thankful to have known him as my friend. He taught me with patience and a quirky style that I adore, and brought lots of joy to our office. I’m most grateful for the way that Sammy has influenced me to enjoy life at work and at home – to seek the Lord to lead my decisions, to cherish time with my tiny kids, and to enjoy a great feast anytime we can (cheeseburgers and Uncle Julio’s are two of my favorites with him). 

There are certain individuals you meet during your personal and professional career that leave a lasting impression.  I’m glad I had a chance to tell Sammy before he retired how much I valued his friendship and support.  He was always a friend and a  mentor, and not because he was told and definitely not because I asked.  Sammy would go out of his way to teach, explain, and occasionally get after me - in the fun loving way only he could.  I’m not entirely sure I remember how many burgers I still owe him.  Sammy changed the way I approach being a mentor.  He was a good friend, and he deserved more time with his family.    

My heart is breaking. I remember the day an 18 year old Sammy Stratton walked into AB as our new warehouse guy. We all took him under our wings and tried to mother him because he was so young. We watched him grow up right before our eyes, getting married to Candace, becoming a father, and all while becoming one of the Houston/Dallas Districts greatest assets. He was one of a kind, a true testament of his faith. My heartfelt sympathy to Candace, his kids and grandkids, and remainder of his family. RIP Sammy. 

As many of you have attested, my initial interaction with Sammy years ago was welcoming and helpful.  He quickly became a professional and personal confidant.  I absorbed much technical expertise from Sammy along with lots of general knowledge and every day common sense.  We shared some similar interests and as we both moved through life stages, we would compare notes on career, hobbies, kids, grandkids, etc.  I feel it is going to take much time, many days/months/years, to ease the burden of sorrow in losing this wonderful soul.   However, I must remind myself that the comfort of having Sammy physically here may have been taken away, but not the reflective comfort of having had him around.  He is one who brought brilliant light to those around him through his infectious, quirky smiles and good deeds that even after he is gone, his light remains.  To the Stratton family….  many thoughts and prayers are with you…. your loved one and the loved one of many will be greatly missed.

When I joined the Rockwell Automation team in 2019, Sammy welcomed and mentored me. I wished I could work with him longer, but I'm grateful to have had someone like Sammy who was always looking out for his teammates. He was very experienced, but always seeking to learn new things-his mentality was infectious. I will never forget Sammy's giggle, style, and stories. He will be missed dearly. Rest in peace Sammy, and prayers to his family.

I worked with Sammy the last 4 years he was at Rockwell Automation Dallas. When I first transferred to the Dallas office, I became immediately aware of how important Sammy was to the team. Despite his being one of the most valuable team members, Sammy was always approachable and helpful. 

We will all miss him. 

When I first arrived in Houston I was always intimidated by Sammy.  He knew absolutely everything and I always felt like I was never going to be able to know all the things he knew.  Later in my career when I became his peer, Sammy’s friendly demeanor and professionalism always made my job easy whenever he was involved.  I will always cherish getting to know Sammy and hearing stories about the latest computer he was building or the next trip he was taking.  22 years was not nearly enough time to know you Sammy.  Rest In Peace my friend. 

I remember when I moved to Dallas with Allen-Bradley and Sammy was one of the first local guys I met, he was a little hard on the “new-guy” but once he got to know me - he was great and helped me earn a lot of money in my East Texas region.

When I moved back to Houston - Sammy was there to welcome me to that office as well.

A Sammy moment/story;  there was not an Allen-Bradley manual that Sammy didn’t love and wouldn’t throw away - he had every manual to every product!  One weekend I brought my son (Taylor) to the office and Sammy welcomed him into his cubicle and entertained Taylor for a while with a “tour” of his cubicle and all of his demo products and manuals stacked everywhere!

When Taylor came back to my office - I asked him how he liked Sammy and he said he was a very nice man, but he was worried about Sammy’s safety - he said all of those manuals could fall on him and Taylor asked me to help Sammy move all of the manuals…

I can’t see a pile of product manuals now and not think of Sammy.  One of the best men I ever worked with!

Ride your Harley in peace Sammy!

Brian Roy

OBITUARY

Sammy David Stratton

January 17, 1962 – January 16, 2022

Stonebriar Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services