Funeral services for Mr. Sam S. Hathorn will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Gary Roberson officiating. Interment will follow in the Bassfield Cemetery. Mr. Hathorn, age 84, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026 in Carson. Saulters Moore Funeral has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family will receive friends on Monday, from 9:00 am until the hour of service at 11:00 am at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Mr. Hathorn will be carried to his final resting place by Lee Swales, Kristen Courtney, Belton Fagan, Colin Fagan, James Fagan, and Will Fagan. Randy Hathorn, Eddie Morton, Kim Hathorn, Jimmy McPhail, and Billy O'Quinn will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Sam S. Hathorn was born on September 15, 1942, in Columbia, Mississippi, to William Carl and Carrie Mae Burkett Hathorn. Growing up in Jefferson Davis County, Sam developed a love for athletics at an early age. He was an accomplished athlete, participating in basketball, football, and track throughout his high school and junior college years. Sam later moved to Wiggins, Mississippi, where he completed his senior year of high school. Following graduation, he continued his education at Perkinston Junior College, now Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

After college, Sam began his working career in the offshore petroleum industry. However, his strong family ties soon brought him back home, where he helped his father with the family farming operation and the operation of Bassfield Feed Mill.

In 1978, Sam embarked on a new chapter in his life when he accepted an entry-level position as a structural ironworker with H.B. Zachry Company in Houston, Texas. Through determination, dedication, and an exceptional work ethic, Sam steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming a heavy equipment operator before ultimately serving as Superintendent of Structural Steel and Crane Rigging. His career with the company spanned more than 30 years, a testament to his loyalty, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

Away from his professional responsibilities, Sam found great enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. An avid outdoorsman, he especially loved hunting and spending time on his farm. He also enjoyed cooking, often sharing his love of good food with family and friends. Whether working the land, enjoying the outdoors, or preparing a favorite meal, Sam appreciated the rewards of a life well lived.

Mr. Hathorn was a member of Bunker Hill Baptist Church. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and the many years of dedication he gave to his family and his life's work. His memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Carrie Mae Hathorn, his wife, Gail Hathorn and his sister, Billie Sue Morton.

His memory will forever be cherished by his daughter, Mechelle Dockall (Bruce) of Deer Park, TX; his son, Mark Hathorn (Kim) of Baton Rouge, LA; and his sister, Bobbye Ann Jackson of Columbia. The legacy of their Papa Sam will also live on through his 5 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com