Samuel Whichard

Samuel Whichard, an avid distance runner, finished his last race September 9, 2016.
He was born in Gulfport, MS on June 17, 1945, son of Katie and Henry Thomas Whichard. In 1963, he graduated from Gulfport High School and volunteered for a three year enlistment in the U.S. Army. The majority of his tour of duty was served in South Korea.
After completion of the military commitment, he began his academic pursuits. Concurrently though, he met and married Martha Elizabeth Fitzgerald. For 41 years, Martha provided Sam a wonderful life with an abundance of coaching and incredible love and affection. As well, she mentored him through the University of Texas at Austin. Martha deserved the credit for Sam's attainment of an undergraduate degree in English and Master's degree in Business Administration.
For nearly 4 decades, Sam was employed by various national banks, typically with managerial responsibilities in retirement plan services. The last position was that of an Executive Vice President with Regions Bank.
During his running career and adventures, Sam participated in competitions up to 100 miles in distance: 150 marathons, and ultra-marathons, short and long distance road racing, triathlons, and long distance swimming, and cycling. Although never an elite athlete, Sam was very persistent... Slow but sincere.
Retirement in the early 2000's, brought Sam and Martha back to a cottage on Silver Run Lakes in Stone County. In 2009, Sam realized that memories of his prior banking positions and 2 corner offices would never compete with the joy he lost with Martha's death.
Sam is survived by his brothers, Dan and Jack; sisters-in-law, Lynn and Kay; brother-in-law, Harold; nephews, Corby, and Zayne; nieces, Mandy and Beth. As well, one must include adorable ""Scotties"", ""Rosie"" and ""Katie"" and equally sweet Schnauzer, ""Zoe."" The ""girls"" ruled the house from their napping spots on whatever furniture they were forbidden to be on.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Martha Elizabeth Whichard endowed Chair of Nursing at William Carey University, 498 Tuscan Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, from 10 - 11 am at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be at 11 am in the funeral home chapel.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com