Samuel Tobey III

Samuel Wheeler Tobey III, 86, of Silsbee, died Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on February 26, 1933, in Port Arthur, to Delphia Louise Pedigo and Samuel Wheeler Tobey, Jr.

Samuel spent many years with the Lions Club, volunteering for the annual pancake dinner, collecting donations of eyeglasses, and working on other charitable efforts. He also loved woodworking and was a dedicated member of the Woodworkers of Southeast Texas. Samuel made everything from furniture to intricate wooden toys. He made dozens of cars, trains, helicopters, bear-sized rocking chairs, and doll highchairs for Christmas each year and delivered them to the Christian Care Center and Care Center of Lumberton. Samuel also enjoyed working with honeybees alongside his father, harvesting Tobey honey each fall.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Tobey of Silsbee; daughter, Pam Tobey and her husband, Richard Dunham, of Arlington, Virginia; nephew, Scott Kelley and his wife, Lori, of Houston; nieces, Kim Kelley of Houston; Stacey Cole and her husband, Matt, of Beauxart Gardens; and Betty Hooper of Huntsville, Alabama.

Samuel is preceded in death by his parents; son, Samuel “Sammy” Wheeler Tobey IV; and sisters, Patricia Kelley and Joanna Tynes.

A gathering Mr. Tobey’s family and friends will begin 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, 670 North 5th Street, Silsbee. His interment will follow at Knupple Cemetery, Silsbee, under the direction of Broussard’s, Silsbee.

Memorial Contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 670 North 5th Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656 and Silsbee Public Library 295 North 4th Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656.