Sammy Joe Connally

Sammy Joe Connally, 85, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home in Boyd, Texas.

A graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Boyd Cemetery, with Brad Thomason officiating. Pallbearers will be Mark Lyon, Colton Lyon, Dalton Lyon, Kevin Connally, Jody Wilson and Ronnie Smith. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the Boyd Church of Christ for food, drinks and fellowship as we remember and celebrate Sammy’s life.

Sam was born on February 11, 1941, in Comanche, Texas, to Ralph and Esther Connally. He married the love of his life, Patricia Connally, on September 29, 1961, and together they shared 65 years of marriage.

Sam graduated from Boyd High School in 1959 and served in the National Guard. He was also a longtime member of the Boyd Church of Christ. Following his time in the National Guard, he went on to work at General Motors, where he spent 35 years. He was a hardworking and dependable man who took pride in providing for and protecting the people he loved.

During his early years, Sam enjoyed spending time at the lake and traveling. He also enjoyed working with the cows and being outdoors. But his greatest joy was always his family. He especially loved being a granddad and was rarely going to miss an opportunity to watch his grandchildren. He traveled many miles over the years to attend their football and basketball games and whatever other activities they were involved in, and he enjoyed every minute of it. He was proud of each of them and loved being there to cheer them on.

Sam was known for his quick wit, his strong opinions and the advice he freely shared with his family. One of his favorite sayings was, “Education comes in many forms,” a phrase that became part of the wisdom he passed down through the years. His family will dearly miss his witty comments, his stories and the advice he always seemed ready to give.

And anyone who knew Sam knew he had some strong opinions about food—most importantly, that every restaurant should serve gravy with chicken. It was just one of those little things that made him who he was and will bring a smile to his family’s faces for years to come.

His great-grandchildren, brought him tremendous joy in his later years. Family was the center of Sam’s life, and the love he had for them was evident in the countless ways he showed up for them over the years.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Esther Connally; his son, Stacy Connally; his brother, Jim Connally; and his sisters, Colleen Scott and Peggy Perkins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia Connally; his daughter, Lesa Lyon and her husband, Mark, whom he thought of like a son; his grandchildren, Colton Lyon and his wife, Noelle; Dalton Lyon and his wife, Yvette; and Kevin Connally and his wife, D’Anna; his great-grandchildren, Nolan Connally, Yris Lyon, Lance Lyon and Margot Lyon; his brothers, Ricky Connally and his wife Dana; Danny Connally and his wife Susan; And his sister, Linda Wright.

Sam (known as Pops to the people that loved him) leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him more than words can say. They will miss seeing him riding around in his gator, sitting in his recliner, hearing his witty comments, listening to his advice, and simply knowing he was there. His family will carry his love, his humor and the many memories he gave them with them for the rest of their lives.

He was a hardworking man, a protective husband and father, a proud grandfather, and, above all, a man who loved his family. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever be a part of the family he loved so much.