SAM TORIAN HENNINGTON was born on December 11, 1951, to Willie and Maggie Hennington in Kentucky. They later moved to Jasper, Texas. He was the fourth of five children. Sam attended J.H. Rowe, where he participated in the band and played the baritone. After finishing school at J.H. Rowe, he attended Job Corp, where he obtained a certificate in machinery. He later joined the Navy, where he served three years during Vietnam War.

Sam married Evelyn Johnson on September 26, 1986, and then moved to Newton, Texas, where he resigned. Sam and his wife had three goddaughters: Jamietra Hennington, Jakeena Adams, and Damiana D. McQueen.

Sam was raised in the church and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in his childhood years. He was a member of New Hope Church in San Augustine, Texas.

Sam was employed with Owen Illinois Plant for many years. He later worked for Louisiana Pacific (LP) where he retired. Sam had a love for all types of music. He had a hobby of collecting and composing his own tapes and CDs. He had a beautiful voice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Maggie Hennington; grandmother, Mrs. Beula Johnson; and brothers, Willie Hennington, Jr., "Half Bear" and Walter Ray Hennington.

Sam will be remembered with love by his surviving wife of thirty-nine years, Evelyn Hennington; brothers, James Hennington and Robert Hennington; a niece who was partly raised by her grandparents, Susan Bettis; and a host of nieces, nephews, and devoted friends. He also leaves special friends, Robert Kenebrew, Darrel Franklin, Mitza Davis, Emory and Lola Simmons, and Rodney and Alice Fay Griffin.