Sammy French Countryman

Sammy French Countryman, age 81, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, in Rogers, Ark. Sam was born in Mountain Park, Okla., on Oct. 23, 1932, to Joseph Bob and Katherine Alma Glasgow Countryman. He is preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Katie Ray Countryman, Jessie Holder, Mary Grinstead, Edna Erle Davis and Bernice Stump; two brothers, Jeff and Joe (Jake) Countryman; two nephews, Greg Davis and Jerry Grinstead. He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Catherine Countryman Cook, husband Michael, and Karen Countryman; two grandchildren, Jessica and Joel Cook; sister, Billie Spence; many nieces and nephews, friends; and lifelong companion, Ann Veith. Sam graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City, Okla., attended Oklahoma University, Oklahoma City University and graduated with a bachelor of science from American Technological University in Killeen, Texas. Sam's lifelong love for his country started in 1939 as a Boy Scout; he started his career at age 15, in the Army National Guard. In 1950, he was fully activated during the Korean War and served in Japan. Major Sam Countryman retired after 45 years of service from HHC 3rd Battalion, 149th Aviation, Texas Army National Guard, Grand Prairie, Texas. Throughout his military career, he was a helicopter pilot and instructor for Southern Airways during the Vietnam War at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas. During Operation Desert, Sam also a Chinook pilot and instructor had many missions and instructed pilots in Chinook training. Sam retired from American Airlines after 34 years as a flight instructor; the 777 being the last aircraft trained for American. Sam retired from CAE Simuflight Civil and Business Aviation after 17 years, training the Learjet and Cessna Citation. He instructed thousands of pilot "checkrides" and was requested yearly by his students from all corners of the world. Sam was very fulfilled over the years watching his pilots grow from green to master pilot. Sam held aircraft type ratings for the B727, B757, B767, B777, Citation 500, Citation 750, Learjet, MD11, BV234, Chinook and various other helicopters. Hundreds of pilots fly the skies today with skills learned from Sam. In 2005, Sam was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing him for safe flight operations for more than 50 years. Sam was a QB Member (Quite Birdmen). He accepts the toast by his fellow QBs as he "goes west," and please tell many off-colored jokes at his expense. Sam loved people; he donated his time as a mediator for dispute and resolution on behalf of the Courts and Citizens of Tarrant County, Texas. After over 60 years as a resident of the Republic of Texas, he relocated to Rogers, Ark., to be near his daughters which he loved more than flying and life itself. After a very short illness due to a heart attack and life-saving surgery, he was well enough to return home where he died peacefully and happy. A memorial service will be officiated by the Rev. Stephen P. Davis (nephew) on March 11, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Meadowood Baptist Midwest City Church, 2816 N. Woodcrest Drive, Midwest City, OK 73110. A private, full-military honors ceremony and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: Operation Homefront, P.O. Box 1933, Lawton, OK 73502-1933, operationhomefront.net, 866-316-9170; or Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, 1200 W. Walnut St., Suite 2301, Rogers, AR 72756, sheepdogia.org, 479-466-9713. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com.