Sammy Don Giddeon

Sammy Giddeon, 80, of Amarillo Ascended into the Kingdom Arena of the Almighty God on December 26, 2023, for his first Heavenly Calf Roping.

Sammy was born September 30, 1943, in Pasadena, Texas to Odell Robert Giddeon and Mary Jane Bowers Giddeon. Sammy received Christ as his Savior at a young age in the First Baptist Church of Pampa, and rededicated his life in July 2000. Sammy Graduated Pampa High School in Pampa, TX in 1961, and continued his education at West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. While attending WT Sammy married Suzan (Sue) Horton Giddeon on June 25, 1966. Sammy & Sue had known each other most of their lives but the sparks didn’t fly until Sue started her college education in September 1965.

In January 1968, Sammy began work at Celanese Chemical Company in Pampa as a Chemist. He worked in that capacity for 35 years retiring in 1999. He served on numerous boards during his tenure there. Sammy & Sue moved to Amarillo upon his retirement in anticipation of the arrival of their first and only grandchild. In 2000 Sammy went to work at River Road ISD as a Special Education Facilitator and worked there until his retirement in 2020, while at RRISD he led a Coach’s Bible Study group, and often led a morning devotional for staff. Sammy served as a Director for TSHSRA from 1982 to 1988.

Sammy’s first and greatest love was his wife Sue, daughter Sissy, & granddaughter Remington. His next greatest love was being a cowboy. Sammy was a pretty good Tie Down Calf Roper, with lots of wins under his belt, and enjoyed Team Roping as well. Sammy was also a certified Rodeo Judge. Sammy liked to train horses and teach kids to rope and ride. He had an amazing love for horses, kids, and dogs, and was a great mentor to many. He was once asked why he only had one child. His reply was “God only gave us one because he wanted me to share my love with other children.” Sammy was a very quiet and private person but whom everyone had an instant liking for and he was a charmer.

Sammy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Giddeon, Amarillo, daughter Sissy (Terrell) Cooke, Amarillo, granddaughter Remington Cooke and fiance Riley Fite, Amarillo. Sister Bobbie (Richard) Hickman, Amarillo, Sister in Law Cindy (Robert) Newman Amarillo. Nephew Gary (Sherrie) Griggs, Amarillo. Niece Jenny (Shane) Riggle, Borger. Nephew Justin (Ronna) Newman, Fort Scott, KS. He is also survived by Peyton (Kimberly) Newman. Amarillo. Cory (Kimberly) Griggs, Amarillo. Jayden, Cruz, Nicholas, Deliza, & Isaiah Newman, Fort Scott KS, Sydney & Brooke Griggs, Amarillo. God Children Tiffani Kling, Groom, Summer, Kolton, & Bristol Anderson, Miami, and Ashley, Blake, & Bridger Chisum, Pampa. Sammy also had a very special friend he considered a son, Ronnie Ferguson, Pampa.

Sammy was preceded in death by his parents Odell and Mary Giddeon, and his in-laws “Red” and Virginia Horton.

A private Family Service was held.

The family suggests donations in lieu of flowers be sent to Special Education Department at River Road ISD,9500 US HWY N-287, Amarillo TX 79108