Samuel Joseph Broughton was born on October 7, 1950, in Yale, Oklahoma, and passed away to heaven on Sunday, August 23, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, pastor, educator, and man of unwavering Christian faith, Sam lived a life dedicated to leading others to Christ. Whether in the church, at home hosting Bible studies, in the classroom, or on mission trip construction sites, Sam's kindness and gentleness made people feel loved. Sam was a servant-leader, and many came to faith in Jesus Christ through his guidance. Leading people to Jesus was his purpose in life, and he always had a soft way of reaching them.

Sam grew up in towns throughout rural Oklahoma, often moving with his pastor-father and mother, who was devoted to music ministry and missions. He and his brother, Bill, took after their mother's kind and loving spirit and modeled her example of faith and service. After graduating high school in Columbus, Ohio, Sam joined his brother at Howard Payne University, where he met the love of his life, Jenny. They married on May 23, 1973, beginning a 53-year partnership committed to love, family, and ministry.

After graduating from college, Sam served at First Baptist Church Brownwood as a youth minister. He then served as Director of Youth and Family Life at First Baptist Church Friendswood, TX. During his time in Friendswood, he took courses from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's extension program at Houston Baptist University, ultimately graduating with a Master of Divinity degree. He went on to serve as Pastor of Wilshire Park Baptist Church in Midland, TX, and then concluded his career of vocational ministry as Pastor of Baptist Temple in Oklahoma City. He transitioned to a career in classical education as a third-grade teacher at The Academy of Classical Christian Studies in Oklahoma City, OK.

Family was Sam's priority. Jenny and his beloved daughters were his pride and joy. He was the family cook, and he and Jenny enjoyed hosting and entertaining friends and family in their home. He loved to do yardwork and home improvement projects to make their house a home. He was a loving husband and father, supporting Jenny and his girls in their passions and interests. He loved his six grandchildren and blessed their lives with his kindness.

Sam loved serving others! Through the years, he led youth groups in a variety of service projects: mission trips to build baptistries in Laredo, TX, roofing and construction projects with World Changers trips around the country, yardwork days for shut-ins, Christmas caroling to senior citizens' homes, and Vacation Bible School for children in poor communities. He mentored youth Sunday school teachers and camp counselors, tapping their unrealized skills and potential. Students enjoyed summer camps, lock-ins, discipleship weekends, fall retreats, ski trips, mission trips, and more.

He was as strong a pastor as he was a preacher. His sermons were based in the text, giving congregants an understanding of the Hebrew or Greek meaning, the author's intent, and the perspective of the original audience. Sermon notes usually included alliteration of the three main points to make life application easier. However, his deeper interest in his role was that of a loving shepherd of the flock. He was faithful to visit the sick and grieving. He took interest in the lonely and hurting. He lovingly discipled students and adults, usually through Apostle Paul's letters.

He was a beloved teacher to his young students at The Academy, many remarking he was "their favorite." Classical education reintroduced him to the Great Books, and he loved the blending of theology, liturgy, literature, and Latin. He is remembered for his patient care for students and for rooting many of the school's third-grade traditions. He was especially grateful to experience campus life with two of his grandsons.

Through his obedience to Jesus Christ, Sam was instrumental in changing many lives. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and is now receiving a rich inheritance for his faithful life of service to Jesus Christ and His Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jenny Broughton, his partner in life and ministry; daughter Jana; son-in-law, Dan Gridley; daughter, Sarah; son-in-law, Joshua Bingaman; daughter, Abbie; son-in-law, Cory Allison; and grandchildren Hollis & Kanon Gridley; Samuel, Ruth, and Josephine Bingaman; and Ellis Allison. He is also survived by his brother, William T. Broughton, Jr.; sister-in-law, Susan Broughton; nephews and their families; and many cousins.

A memorial service and celebration of Sam's life and ministry will be held at 10 a.m. on September 19, 2026, at Putnam City Baptist Church, 11401 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The service will be livestreamed on www.pcbc.tv.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Providence hospice team for the compassionate care they provided both Sam and Jenny over the past several weeks.

Memorial gifts may be made to Mission Dignity, a Southern Baptist ministry that provides assistance to retired SBC workers and their families.