Last Known Activity:
Sam Penix, a Newport businessman and well-known Arkansan died on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at his family residence in Texas.
Mr. Penix was born in Tuckerman, on June 4, 1929, the son of the late Ruby Mae Hanley Julian and Sam B Penix, Jr.
He was from an old pioneer family and sixth generation of Jackson County.
Sam graduated from Tuckerman High School, attended Draughon Business College, the University of Arkansas and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. An avid Razorbacks fan, Sam also loved Dixieland music, hunting, fishing and playing golf.
Mr. Penix was associated with the automobile business for over 40 years. He was a life member of the Automobile Hall of Fame (elected in 1973). He was sales/general manager of Julian Motor Co, Dene Hook Motors, Southland Chevrolet, Sam Wheeler Ford, Short-Brownlee Buick, George Kell Motors, and McDonald Chevrolet. Sam was District Manager for General Motors Corporation and owner of Sam Penix Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, Penix Chrysler, and Penix Realty and Sales.
Sam enlisted in the Navy after High School, was commissioned in Army ROTC and served active duty in the Army, continuing to serve in active Army Reserve for 30 years. Sam attained the rank of Colonel and was nominated for General Officer Rank. He was a graduate of the infantry school, artillery school, Army Intelligence Career Course and honor graduate of Command and General Staff College and Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Sam was assigned as liaison officer on staff of Senior ROTC at ASU when he placed the Junior ROTC program in Newport High School.
Colonel Penix was past commander of Tuckerman, Newport, and Sixth District American Legion Post, a charter member of the American Military Intelligence Association, life memberships in Reserve Officer Association, National Rifle Association, Military Officer Associations, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and University of Arkansas Alumni Association.
At the Umsted Methodist Church, Sam served on several committees, including Chairman of the Board. A life member of Gideons International, Sam served as Chaplain, Membership Chairman, Church Assignment Chairman and Gideon Speaker. Sam was baptized into Christ at the Holden Avenue Church of Christ in 2008.
Colonel Penix is survived by three children, Michael Hanley Penix and wife Rebecca, Luanne Penix Riley and Thomas Penix; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Raymond Davis; five grand-children, one great grandchild, two half sisters, seven nieces, nephews and many cousins. Mr. Penix was blessed by special relationships with Mary Louise and Billy Richardson, Betty and Bobby Newell and Betty and Roger Faust.
Preceded in death by his loving wife, Peggy Younger Penix, Sam was buried beside her in Tuckerman on May 10, 2012.
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