OBITUARY: Sam Wilhite

Sam Wilhite

Sampson L. Wilhite, Jr. 81, passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at his home in Brentwood, TN. Sam was born October 17, 1936 in Anadarko, OK to Sam L., Sr. and Lois Mary Courtney Wilhite. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nancy Cordelia Wilhite and Gala Wilhite Crowe.

Sam graduated NMMI in Roswell, NM and the University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK where he received a BSEE. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and NROTC. He married Jane Wilkinson in 1959. Sam served in the US Navy, Key West, FL as an Ensign and LT/JG. He then worked for Aerojet General as an electrical engineer in Undersea Research and Development in Southern California.

Sam had a second career as a Real Estate Broker in San Diego, CA where he founded his own business then moved with his wife, Jane, to Franklin, TN in 1991, where he continued to invest in Tennessee real estate.

Sam is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane. He is also survived by his daughters, Laura W. Anderson and her husband, Dean, of Franklin, TN, Elizabeth W. Rees of Durham, NC and Sarah Jane W. Nacht and husband, Leigh of Tenafly, NJ; grandchildren, Kathryn A. Helson (Eric), Hendersonville, TN, Dean W. Anderson and C. Forrest Anderson, both of Nashville, TN, Abigail Nacht Kilian (Gordon), River Vale, NJ, Dylan L. Nacht, NYC, NY and Lily J. Nacht, Pittsburgh, PA, Madeline R. Rees, Greensboro, NC and Emily W. Rees, Asheville, NC and great granddaughter, Laura Claire Helson. His brother-in-law, John Wilkinson, Senatobia, MS and a niece also survive him. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services. Sam’s ashes will be interred at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Nashville. Memorials may be made to GraceWorks, 104 Southeast Pkwy, Franklin, TN or The Baddour Center, Box 97, Senatobia, MS 37868.

To leave a note for Sam’s family or to share a memory, please sign the online guestbook.