Sam Fondren

SAM FONDREN - Samuel Wister "Sam" Fondren, III, age 85, of Columbus, MS, passed away May 28, 2026, at his residence.  Funeral services will be Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rob Dowdle officiating.  The interment will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbus.  Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

     Mr. Fondren was Born August 17, 1940, to the late Samuel and Charlene Dabbs Fondren, II.  He owned and operated Flintlock Sporting Goods and Fondren Heating and Air.  Mr. Fondren was a master electrician and plumber and "Jack of all Trades" and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gold prospecting.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Fondren was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor "Ellie" Fondren, brother, Craig Fondren, sister, Debbie Silas, stepdad, Harold Dabbs, and grandson, Jonathan Fondren.

     Mr. Fondren is survived by son Sammy (Angela) Fondren, grandchildren Casey (Christine) Fondren, great grandchildren Braxton, Sadie, and Evie Fondren, granddaughter Ana (Tanner) Dement, son Tim (Barbara) Fondren, grandchildren, Chris (Treasure) Fondren, great grandchildren, Marleigh and Easton, granddaughter Chasity Fondren (Jim Logan), great grandchildren, Bryson and Bentley Nash, granddaughter, Tabatha (Wade) Swindol, great grandchildren Addie and Peyton, son Daniel (Tammy) Fondren, granddaughter Ashlee (Will) Jones, great grandchildren Greyson and William, granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Heston) Vaughn, great grandchild Beverly, grandson Kody (Tristen) Fondren, grandchildren Dawson Cox and Isabelle Fondren, son Jason (Amanda) Fondren, grandson Morgan (Alyssa) Franks, great grandchildren Kinsleigh, Tucker, and Sawyer Franks, granddaughter Raichel (Austin) Pinkerton, great grandchild Hayden Pinkerton, son Ben Fondren, granddaughter Karlee Fondren (great grandson on the way), granddaughter Baylee (Chandler) Collums.

     Pallbearers will be Sammy Fondren, Tim Fondren, Daniel Fondren, Jason Fondren, Ben Fondren, and Kody Fondren.  Honorary pallbearers will be Casey Fondren, Christopher Fondren, Morgan Franks, and Dawson Cox.