Sam Salvador Barcellona

To honor the man Sam Salvador Barcellona is to understand that his nature was to nurture and protect, but mostly he taught to believe in oneself. Sam’s love for his family was always unwavering and comforting. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, Athlete, Coach, Salesman, and a Marine. He believed in God, the Catholic Church and Catholic education. Sam enjoyed growing fruit trees and flowers and teaching others about his knowledge of plants. He took great delight in our wonder of the sky, often helping us spot fireflies, stars and the planets. He spent many evenings gazing through a large, self-built telescope. He shared his love of the stars and planets with us. He felt at peace in nature and all that God’s beauty offered. He believed in God as the core of all endeavors big and small.

Sam was the loving husband to his wife of almost 75 years, Betty Joyce Taylor. As high school students during the late 1940’s in New Orleans, Sam met Joyce on a blind date. He asked his friend to look at her first to make sure she was pretty…she was. At that dance both their lives changed forever. According to Sam, they got married first in secret on a dare-he dared Joyce. They shared a love of dancing and music that permeated the home throughout their marriage.

Sam often recounted their marriage by reference to the ring that she gave him so many years before when they were just two young people who set out on an adventure. Each night, until the end of his life, Sam would twist the wedding ring on his finger and say to Joyce, “Who gave me this ring.” He would wait a moment, and she would say, “I did.” In those moments, his love was summed. He felt their relationship was expressed in the poetry in the song “Till” which he requested often.

Sam excelled as a role model to his four children, Bruce, Brian, Bonnie, and Becki (the B’s he called us). He held fast to the strong belief that we could achieve anything. He endeavored to help each of us follow our passions whatever they might be-provided they were realistic. The B’s were born a few years apart from one another giving each a different relationship and perspective of our dad. Parenting to our strengths and in the stage of life he found himself.

Sam supported those he loved tirelessly. He was the big brother and protector to his sisters. He took delight in mentoring kids in basketball and baseball; especially his own. He and Joyce hosted exchange students for 20 years, and many became part of an extended family.

Sam loved surprises and giving presents then watching the recipient’s excitement when opened. He would come home surprising his family with exotic animals, sugar cane, or bubblegum cigars. Once he even brought a squirrel monkey. Sam tutored all in the fine art of crawfish hunting. It would not be unusual to find a bathtub filled with blue crabs just waiting for the water to boil.

Sam played baseball for LSU, and if he wasn't wearing his LSU hat, he was wearing his specific Marine Corp League hat. He embodied the ideals of the Marines, but he lived for college sports – football, baseball, basketball-focusing on all Tiger games. He even enjoyed the little league world series. He would watch and determine which of the players had that drive that set them apart.

Sam exceeded limits within his professional life. Sometimes, putting himself in harm's way to be an advocate for those in need. He was incredibly proud being named his company’s top sales professional for years. He wore a ring signifying that honor.

Sam lived by the philosophy that everything you need to know in life you learn from team sports; he was the coach of our family. It was his job to create the vision for his team. Sam understood that all things begin with a positive attitude, and a belief in yourself. He would explain that attitude was your choice and would set the tone for how life should be approached. Sam often said that “resiliency is as necessary as breathing,” and would add that “everyone fails, it’s about your ability to learn from it, and then get back up that separates those who succeed.” As a coach, he would accept no excuses, stressing that there are only results; but emphasizing that teamwork is the only way to play, and fairness is always expected. And above all respect for yourself, your team, and others is required. You compete to win; but you play with heart. On his team, no matter who you were, you would sit out for belittling another player. Sam believed in giving it your absolute best-100% of the time. He understood these ideals are the foundation upon which a life is built.

Sam’s goal was always to give his family stability. He was a provider. That was how he showed love. When asked, “Dad what was your greatest accomplishment,” he thought and said, “I never lost a contract.” Sam would eagerly describe himself as a salesman and would continually say, “everyone is in sales – no matter who you are or what you do. You are selling yourself.”

Sam’s life was shared and survived by his wife, Betty Joyce Taylor and their children; Bruce (Maureen) Barcellona, Bonnie Ballard Cameron, Becki (Ronald) Connally; and grandchildren, Brett Connally, Christopher Barcellona, James Cameron, Austin Connally, Victoria (Bradley) Wilcher, Brendan Barcellona, Olivia (Joseph) Fox, Reese Connally, and Ceceila Connally; and his sister: Jaqueline Beck.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian Barcellona (Charlotte), granddaughter, Brooke Samantha Ballard Wineland; his parents, Russell Barcellona & Bertha Biondillo Barcellona; and sisters, Camella Shultz, Christina Parks, and Stella Barcellona.

Sam Barcellona was a believer in belief. He lived his life with joyful respect, curiosity, and palpable love for his family. He wore a signature smile that seemed to start from his eyes, that bit of mischievous twinkle worked its way outward into an exclamation point crinkle in the corner. His smile and embrace warmed through you from within. You knew at that moment, you were loved.

A visitation for Sam will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1242 Lynwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39206, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 PM.