Walter Samuel "Sam" Crockett, 81, of Wytheville, VA, passed away on July 30, 2026. Born October 9, 1944, in Wytheville, he was the son of the late James E. Crockett Sr. and Willie Browne Crockett.

Sam served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam in 1968, and in addition to the Bronze Star, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Sam was part of the start-up team that helped launch Federal Express in Arkansas, he then spent ten years as an air traffic controller in Memphis, TN before returning to Wytheville in 1981. He worked the family farm alongside his brother, Sonny, while owning and operating a retail clothing store on Main Street — first as the Country Closet, later as Crockett's Cove Fashions — for 13 years. He went on to serve as Wythe County Treasurer for 28 years, a role that reflected his lifelong passion for serving the public, and in 2024 was honored by the Town of Wytheville with a Civic Monument recognizing his years of community service.

He was an active member of American Legion Post 229, serving with the Honor Guard. He was a devoted member of the Wytheville Lions Club for 38 years, holding numerous offices including President, Vice President, District Governor of District 24-F, and Sight Conservation Chairman, and was the recipient of the club's highest honor, the Melvin Jones Award. He was also a lifelong Republican, serving as Treasurer of the 9th District Republican Party for 15 years, as well as a 32nd degree Master Mason and Shriner. Member of the local NRA Committee serving as the organization treasurer. He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on the Property Committee and as a Past Trustee, and was a longtime supporter of the George Wythe Athletic Boosters.

Sam was known and loved by many throughout Wytheville and beyond, and he never met a stranger. He is remembered fondly as Sammy and Sam, as "Uncle Sam," as "Scrooge" during tax season, and above all as "Poppy" to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Crockett Sr. and Willie Browne Crockett; his brother, James E. "Sonny" Crockett Jr.; and his sister, Susan Crockett-Spoon.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Arlene Crockett of Wytheville; his son, James "Jay" Crockett of Richmond, VA, and special friend Lindsey Hall; grandson Wiley and granddaughter Alessandra "Alice"; his daughter, Jessica Townsend, and husband Brian Townsend of Waxhaw, NC; grandsons Trevor, Brady, Blake, Jameson, and Zachary and granddaughter Mackenzie; his sister, Annie B. Crockett-Stark of Wytheville; his nephew, James "Jake" Crockett, and wife Melissa of Wytheville and their children; his niece, Suzan Aker, and husband Steve of Wichita, KS, and their children; his niece, Angel Carney, and husband Charlie of Roanoke, VA, and their daughters.

Sam was simply a man who never met a stranger. He collected many close friends across his life from coworkers, his “girls” at the Treasurer’s office, Lions Club brothers, fellow veterans, church family, customers-turned-friends from behind the counter of his store and in the Treasurer’s office, and neighbors up and down Wythe County and across the state of Virginia who could always count on a wave, a story, or a joke from Sam. He gave his time, his friendship, and quite literally, in the case of his brother Sonny, a piece of himself. He continued to serve so many over his life. Wytheville has been a better place for the 81 years he spent in it.

Funeral service will be held 11 A.M. Friday, August 7, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church conducted by Pastor Jonathan Hamman with visitation from 10 a.m. until service time. For those who wish on Friday Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will livestream the service beginning at 10:45am with this link as the location https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityWytheville. Interment will follow in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel from 5 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. The American Legion Post 229 will conduct Military graveside rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wytheville Lions Club for Eyes PO Box 291, Wytheville VA 24382; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church General Fund, 405 W. Main St. Wytheville VA 24382; American Legion Post 229, PO Box 466 Rural Retreat VA 24368; or an organization of your choosing. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.