Sammy "Sam" Martin Dooley was born on April 3, 1945, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to Leo and Augusta Ruth (Williamson) Dooley. He received his heavenly reward on August 1, 2026, at the age of 81 years, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, devotion to family, a strong work ethic, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Raised in Ripley, Oklahoma, Sam graduated from Ripley High School with the Class of 1963. He carried with him a curiosity and desire to learn that would remain throughout his life. After high school, he continued his education at Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. His early career took him into dairy production and management, where he worked with The Carnation Company and Oklahoma State University.

As the years unfolded, Sam embraced new opportunities and challenges. During the 1980s, he transitioned into the oil and gas industry, beginning his work at Hudson Refining in Cushing. Much of his career was spent in quality control, a role well suited to his steady nature, attention to detail, and dedication to doing things well. He later worked for The Williams Company, Inc., and Magellan Midstream Partners, retiring in 2008 after many years of faithful service.

While building his professional career, Sam also answered the call to serve his country. He proudly served for 26 years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. His military career was marked by dedication and perseverance as he progressed through the enlisted ranks before receiving a commission into the Officer Corps. He ultimately retired with the rank of Captain, reflecting the leadership, discipline, and commitment he demonstrated throughout his years of service.

One of the greatest blessings of Sam's life was his marriage to Barbra Jane Spiva. On September 2, 1966, the two were married at Mehan Union Church. Together, Sam and Jane shared 60 years of marriage and built a life grounded in love, faith, family, and devotion. Their marriage was a lasting partnership, and Sam was a loving and devoted husband to Jane and a wonderful father to their three children, Lori, Machele, and Kyle.

Sam's Christian faith was the foundation upon which he built his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 16 and remained a faithful servant throughout the years that followed. His faith was not simply something he believed; it was reflected in the way he lived, served, and cared for others.

Over the years, Sam worshiped and served alongside several church communities. At Mehan Union Church, a place that held deep meaning for him and his family, he served as superintendent and as a member of the church board. He was honored to help lead and support the church and the community he loved. After Sam and Jane moved to Pryor in 2001, God opened the door for them to form a special bond with Pastors Pasqual and Maggie Espinosa and the believers at The Hispanic Church of God. Sam participated in mission trips and generously shared his time, abilities, and talents in service to the church. In more recent years, Life Church in Owasso became his church home.

Family was among Sam's greatest joys. He treasured the time they spent together and especially enjoyed traveling and cruising with those he loved. He also enjoyed working out at the Pryor Rec Center and had an enduring curiosity about the world around him. Sam was a private pilot and never lost his desire to learn and grow. Even in his 60s, he took on the challenge of learning Spanish, approaching new experiences with the same determination and curiosity that had guided him throughout his life.

Whether serving his country, providing for his family, supporting his church, pursuing a new interest, or simply spending time with those he loved, Sam lived with purpose. His faith, devotion to family, quiet strength, and willingness to continue learning and serving others touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a faithful servant, a respected leader, and a man whose life reflected the values he held dear.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Jane; three children, Lori Pettus and husband, Skip, of Pryor; Machele Salerno and husband, Phillip, of Sperry; and Kyle Dooley and wife, Stefanie, of Pryor; six grandchildren, Ryan Pettus and wife, Nicole; Colby Pettus and wife, Jaide; Seth Salerno and fiancée, Justice Jones; Brooklynn Dooley; Ella Jo Dooley; and Reese Dooley; two great-grandchildren, Jensen Collier, Rory Pettus and a third expected in December; two sisters, Marilyn Morris of Cushing and Dot Tietz and husband, Keith, of Ripley; brother-in-law, Glen Spiva and wife, Diana; sister-in-law, Connie Lewis; and many other beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Leo Dooley; his parents-in-law, J.C. and Betty Jo Spiva; brother-in-law, Alvie Morris; and sister-in-law, Sherry Gazaway.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Mehan Union Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening in the Family Center at Matherly-Davis Funeral Home in Cushing, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mehan Union Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.