Billy Sam Moore

Billy Sam Moore, 85, walked into heaven on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Sam was born in Bisbee, Arizona on July 6, 1938, to Bill and Vernelle Moore. A proud Puma, Sam graduated from Bisbee High School in 1956. At Baylor University, Sam met the love of his life, Sue Morrow. They married in 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Rotan, Texas, and were together for 54 years before Sue’s death in 2013. In April of 2016, Sam married Joyce Jones and resided in New Braunfels until his death.

Upon graduating from Baylor as a Geologist, Sam returned to Bisbee to work the copper mines. In 1961, he joined the United States Air Force, serving for three years. Following his military service, Sam briefly taught high school in Abilene, Texas, prior to his employment at Kelly Air Force Base as a Budget Analyst where he eventually retired.

Sam served his Lord in many capacities through the church. If he was not leading worship in small churches, Sam sang in the choir. For many years, Sam taught young children in Sunday School as well as serving as a Deacon. His wisdom and leadership gave great insight to the various committees on which he served. Sam was an active member of First Baptist Church, San Antonio.

Sam’s keen sense of humor, quick wit, and youthful ways endeared him to many college international basketball athletes, who affectionately called him “Papa Sam.” Papa fiercely loved his family. Both daughters, every grandchild, great-grandchild, or “adopted” grandchild was called the “favorite”.

As an artist, Sam was a member of the River Art Gallery of San Antonio. His paintings and drawings grace the walls of many residences around the world. Sam’s specialty was bringing the West Texas landscape to life though bluebonnets, windmills, and barns. Sam was an accomplished cartoonist as well. His drawings have appeared in many publications depicting the lighter side of golf, church, or people.

Sam is survived by his second wife, Joyce Jones; daughters: Sherry Lindsey (Mark) of Big Spring, Texas, and Stacey Kustelski (Steve) of Garden Ridge, TX, Grandchildren: Kristen Padilla (Osvaldo) of Birmingham, Alabama; Rick Heyser (Kate) of Portland, Texas; Kim Beasley (Alex) of Bentonville, Arkansas; Ben Heyser of New Braunfels; Chris Heyser (Jacklynn) of New Braunfels; and two special “adopted grandsons”, Jose Libanio (Melissa) of Georgetown, Texas; Lis Shoshi (Dea) of Peja, Kosovo; 9 Great Grandchildren; Sister, Ginger D’Angelo of Irving, Texas; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Sam is predeceased by his wife, Sue Moore and parents, Bill and Vernelle Moore.

Honorary pallbearers include: Ricky Heyser, Ben Heyser, Chris Heyser, Jose Libanio (Brazil), Lis Shoshi (Kosovo), Srdjan Budimir (Serbia), and Ousmane Ba (Republic of Congo).

We will celebrate Sam’s life on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Wilson Chapel of First Baptist Church, San Antonio at 2:00 pm.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to First Baptist Church, San Antonio, to be used for missions.