Samuel "Sammy" Eberlan

Samuel Edgar Eberlan was born February 18, 1939, in San Augustine County, Texas, to Roy Clifton “Ben” Eberlan and Claudie Florine (Harvey) Eberlan. He passed away on June 25, 2021, at his residence at the age of 82.

Sammy graduated from San Augustine High School in 1958. He was a four year letterman in football, baseball, basketball and a two year letterman in track.  After graduation, he attended Panola Junior College, playing on the Panola Ponies baseball team, where he lettered in 1960. His courage and drive were redirected when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961 and served on active duty in Germany for two years.  Following his tour, Sammy returned to the U.S., serving another four years in the Army Reserves until 1967, when he received his Honorable Discharge from the military.  Sammy worked as a surveyor with Temple Industries beginning in 1964 and retiring in 1999.  

 Sammy was part of an athletic family, along with three ball playing brothers, and their biggest cheerleader and fan, their only sister.   Sammy truly loved the game of baseball.  Utilizing his high school and college level knowledge of the game, Sammy invested in the lives of many youth, coaching his only son, Bruce, his nephews and their teammates in the San Augustine Dixie Youth Baseball program.  Many team championships were celebrated by these young players, led by Coach Eberlan, through the years.  Sammy spent countless hours enjoying the outdoors.  From his career surveying the land all over East and Southeast Texas, to his hobbies, hunting at the family deer camp and fishing the area lakes with his son, his brother Roy, and his nephews, not to mention raising chickens and cows. From a young age, Sammy was an avid domino player. His competitive nature won him many a game, whether it was at the local domino hall, with his weekly domino group, or at the table at the house with any family member who dared to play him, and remained a favorite pastime until he was no longer able to play.   

Most importantly, Sammy had an unconditional love for his family.  His greatest desire was spending time with his children. If he had his way, they would have never left home. Each time they would come to visit, they had to say when they were coming back before leaving.  Daddy never let us forget that his son was special and that his girls were precious.  For 29 years, his love never wavered from his wife, who was with him until he took his final breath. 

He is survived by his loving family: wife, Mary Smith Eberlan; children, Karen Plumlee and husband James of Longview, Texas, Pam Eberlan of Tyler, Texas, Bruce Eberlan and wife Hayley of Tyler, Texas, Stacy Evans and husband Rusty of Tyler, Texas, Tonya Hinson and husband Keith of Center, Texas, Jason Brawley of San Augustine, Texas, and Shane Brawley and wife Lyndsey of Piedmont, Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Bessie Bryan of Lufkin, Texas; brother, Rayford Eberlan and wife Billie of Jasper, Texas; sister-in-law, Jonan Eberlan of San Augustine, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Roy Austine Eberlan and Jimmie Lavon Eberlan.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. Skipper Eberlan and Bro. Cliff Durham officiating.  Committal service and interment will follow at Pickard Cemetery, located on County Road 144 near his home in the Black Ankle Community in San Augustine, Texas.

Pallbearers: Bruce Eberlan, Skipper Eberlan, Alan Eberlan, Mickey Eberlan, Jeff Eberlan, Cliff Eberlan, Jason Brawley, and Shane Brawley.

Sammy was of the Baptist faith and attended Rosevine Missionary Baptist Church.

If desired, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel "Sammy" Eberlan, please visit our floral store.