Samuel "Sammie" Ray Lister was the 7th child born on October 17, 1950 to Louise and Elijah Lister Jr. in Robertson County, Texas.
He obtained his formal education at Love High School in Bremond, TX and later graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, TX.
Sammie Ray confessed his faith in God at an early age as a member of Paradise Baptist Church. He also attended Tucker Street Baptist Church and continued serving the Lord until his health declined.
He started his career at General Dynamics and would later work in the family business as an auto detailer for more than 30 years at Quick as a Wink Car Wash. His hobbies included watching football (Dallas Cowboys), playing bingo, crossword puzzles and dominos. He also loved to sing gospel at his church.
He married thrice. His first marriage to Versa in the 1980s dissolved. His second wife Geneva, passed away in 2005. He would later find love again and marry Clara. She sadly passed away in 2008. He remained a widower.
Sammie Ray made friends wherever he went. He was no stranger and had the most even temperament you will ever come to find. He was liked by all that he came in contact with.
Sammie Ray Lister passed away from this life on Friday, May 17, 2024. He joins his parents Louise and Elijah Lister Jr. and his siblings Cora Murphy, Booker T. Lister Sr., Shirley Lister, Elijah Lister III, and Gloria Lister in a land where they will never grow old.
To cherish his memories, he leaves: brother Dr. Charles A. Lister, sister Lorine Lister Moore (Ollen), and his sister Brenda Lister Fletcher (John), and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was known as Sam to his brothers and Ray to his sisters. His many nieces and nephews called him Uncle Puddin/Ray. Many friends called him Sammie. Jesus calls him HIS and welcomes him home. REJOICE!
The family of Samuel "Sammie" Ray Lister wishes to thank each of you for your many expressions of kindness. For your calls, cards, flowers, and most of all your prayers, we truly thank you. We would like to offer special thanks to Angelia Hyman (long-time caregiver), Park Meadows family and Southwest Nursing and Rehab family. May God bless each of you richly.