Sam Slaughter

Samuel Franklin Slaughter, III (lovingly known as “Sam”) passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2026. Born in New Mexico November 24, 1951, Sam was a well-known, community-driven small business owner in Wildwood, Florida. He owned Frank Slaughter Insurance Agency, which has been family-owned since 1964 and remains in the trusted, hardworking hands of his daughter, Angela. Sam was a member of the Wildwood Church of Christ, received his diploma in 1970 from Wildwood High School, and graduated “by the skin of his teeth” from Livingston University in Alabama. He returned to Wildwood and devoted himself, with great work ethic, to his professional obligations and community volunteerism alike. He was a proud Rotarian, a Paul Harris Fellow, and could often be found humorously calling bingo games to benefit the Sumter County Youth Organization. He also quietly gave to and supported various organizations, often seeking no recognition, a reflection of his generous heart. He was also an avid reader, golfer, hunter, and fisherman. Sam could be described as whip-smart, well-read, a little wild, always ready to tell a great story or joke and encouraged his kids to always be objective. His laugh was a gift, as was his big smile—a treat for anyone fortunate enough to see it, since he wasn't one for surface humor or formalities. If you received that smile, you had truly tickled his soul and sense of humor. He was known for speaking to everyone he knew, but Sam didn't waste time being fake or putting on airs—he was the genuine article and, oh, so much fun. After retiring from the insurance business, he enjoyed flats fishing in Suwannee and spending time with his children and three grandchildren: Carlie Michelle Taylor, Kaitlyn Taylor McConnell (Tyler), and Samuel Southerland Williams (named after his Grandpa). He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Franklin Slaughter, Jr. (“Frank”) and Norma Jean Jarnagin; his beloved grandfather, “Son Doc,” Samuel Franklin Slaughter, Sr.; his grandmother, Irene Beck Slaughter; his aunt, Ann Slaughter Andrews; his uncles, Doug Andrews and Joseph Wright; and his infant daughter, Georgia Ann Slaughter. He is survived by his faithful and unquestionably saintly wife, Lisa; his three daughters, Angela Taylor (Mike), Haylee Slaughter, and Emmylou Slaughter Williams (Chris); his sister, Sandra Slaughter Dent (Jack); Nonie Slaughter; his aunt, Rosemary Slaughter Wright; his aunt, Virginia Elliott (Raymond); his grandchildren; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Sam requested no services. He will be laid to rest in the Slaughter family plot at Pine Level Cemetery in Oxford. In lieu of flowers or the like, please donate to the Wildwood Soup Kitchen in his memory. It was another charitable organization that was important to him. Such a larger-than-life man had a tender heart, although you probably couldn't tell. We miss you, Dad—and are often reminded of your own words, which we now give back to you: “We love you, man.” Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Sam Slaughter

November 24, 1951 - May 8, 2026