Bryan Ross Samson, age 65, passed away on July 23, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. Bryan is survived by his wife, Connie Fox-Samson; his daughters, Chelsea and Abigail Samson; his sister, Susan (Alex); his brothers, Mark (Vera) and Scott (Barb); and several nieces and nephews.
Bryan was born in Hondo, TX, to Walter and Joanne (Smith) Samson on August 1, 1957. His upbringing within an Air Force family encouraged exploration, independence, and a sense of duty. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from Alfred University in 1979 and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1988. Bryan served his nation as an officer in the U.S. Army for 21 years, during which time he held numerous command and staff positions such as Army Quartermaster and Acquisitions Corps officer. His career led him across the globe, including Fort Gregg-Adams, VA, where he met his wife, Connie, of 39 years.
Upon retirement, Bryan returned to his familial hometown of Horseheads, NY, where he served as Village Manager. In 2010, Bryan was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) and was a Tier-II SES Deputy to the Commanding General, Army Contracting Command, at the time of his passing.
Bryan asserted that the purpose of life is to make a difference and help others, which he accomplished every day through his investment in and generosity towards individuals. Bryan’s service to the Army and our country will forever impact the stability of the world and our nation’s place in it. His leadership enabled the success of timely COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and distribution within the United States and throughout the international community.
Bryan will forever be cherished as a motivator, mentor, leader, and guardian. He was deeply devoted to his family, parenting with joy, humor, and wisdom, and instilling a profound appreciation for life and nature. Bryan had a keen interest in genealogy and history, relished playing oldies rock and roll on the guitar with his daughters, and valued spending time with his siblings.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home (2320 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805). The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church (307 Gates Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801) with light refreshments with the family to follow in the Fellowship Hall. A graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation in Huntsville, AL.
