A funeral service for Samuel Ray Cundiff, 91, of Marshall, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025, at First Assembly of God in Marshall. Interment will follow at Algoma South Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Downs Funeral Home. Mr. Cundiff passed away on June 11, 2025, in Marshall, Texas.

Samuel Ray Cundiff was born on October 22, 1933, to the late Moses Lorenzo Cundiff and Irsa Davis Cundiff in Hugo, Oklahoma, number six of seven children. He grew up and attended school in Minden, Louisiana, and met and married the love of his life, Shirley Laverne Irvine, in 1953.  The couple made their home briefly in Minden until Sam was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War era, stationed in Japan.

When he returned from his military service, Sam and Laverne settled in Marshall and started their family. They taught their four children by example to love and serve God—particularly by being faithful to their local church. "Brother Sam," served as a board member at First Assembly of God in Marshall continuously since 1957. This July he would have completed 68 years on the board, and he was quite proud of that record. He also volunteered for many years as music director, soloist, Sunday School and children's church teacher, bus driver, groundskeeper, and general maintenance man. He and "Sister Laverne" were always willing to serve wherever they were needed, and they made sure their children were in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, revival services, and any other time the church doors were open. Their service, particularly in children's ministry, impacted the lives of several generations of children who grew up under their teaching.

Sam was employed by Lone Star Steel, Thiokol Army Ammunitions Plant, East Texas Motor Freight, McClean Trucking Company, and SWEPCO over the years. After retirement from SWEPCO, he and Laverne worked part-time at Downs Funeral Home and managed the T & P Railroad/AMTRAK museum and gift shop. Sam also enjoyed a short stint delivering flowers for Marshall Floral Company when he was well into his 80s. He was energized by serving Jesus and others—a life well lived.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and his wife of 71 years, Laverne. He is survived by four children: Sheryl Cundiff Morphew and spouse Roy, Broken Arrow, OK; Stephen R. Cundiff and spouse René, Avinger, TX; Shirley Cundiff Manuel and spouse Jeff, Fort Towson, OK; and Stanley S. Cundiff and spouse Merrily, Málaga, Spain. He is Grandpa to Stacy, Carrie, Jennifer, Eric, Jeffery, Rachel, Stephanie, Scott, Sarah, Nick, and Kyle. His great-grandchildren are: Payton, Luke, Tori, Michael, Jess, Gabriella, and Boone.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Pastor Micheal Richard and wife Diana of First Assembly of God, Marshall, for their unwavering friendship, support, and spiritual leadership to their parents for so many years. Also, special thanks goes out to the administration and staff of Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehab Center, as well as to Concho Hearts Hospice of Kilgore for the care provided during the recent past.