Sam Florian

Sam Florian, 79, of Rusk, affectionately known as “Pop,” went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020.

Sam worked in Rusk for Whitehead Enterprises in radio and the newspaper for most of his adult life. He touched many people through his work. He loved broadcasting sports for the Rusk Eagles and coaching little league baseball. He loved Rusk and supported his community in numerous ways including serving as a city councilman for 12 years. Sam always had a big grin and a kind word for everyone and would leave you with a smile on your face.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Left behind to treasure his memory are Claudia, his wife of 40 years; son, Jeff Florian and wife Lisa of Henderson, Texas; daughter, Jan Schad and husband Doug of Richland Hills, Texas; mother-in-law, Martha Sanders; sisters, Sally Copus, Darlene Anderson and husband Jim and Donna Williams; grandsons, Jason Schad and wife Rasha, Coby Schad and Scott Florian; granddaughter, Sarah Schad; great-grandchildren, Landon, Hudson, Jayde, Blake and Cason; a host of extended family and friends; and his beloved Gus and Gabby.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home-Rusk. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice of East Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701.