Samuel Franklin Britton
Sam Britton passed from this life into the arms of Jesus, Monday, October 16, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. He was 67 years old. Sam was born on July 30, 1956, in Waynesboro, Mississippi, to Sytilee Waites Britton and Ellis Creight Britton, Sr.
He attended Jones Junior College in 1974 after graduating Waynesboro High School. He enjoyed living on campus, was active in clubs and organizations, and was elected Class Favorite.
In the fall of 1974 at JC, he met the love of his life who became his wife, Robin Robinson. Sam enjoyed introducing Robin as his Miss America.
He graduated from Jones County Junior College in 1976 before attending the University of Southern Mississippi where he completed a business degree.
After college, Sam worked with his uncle in the pipeline construction business. Then in the early 1980’s Sam returned to USM and completed a degree in accounting. He then began and completed requirements to become a CPA.
After working with the offices of the State Auditor and the State Tax Commission, Sam began his own accounting firm. From his CPA practice, Sam moved into Investment Banking.
Along with his thirty years of experience in the financial and accounting sectors, Sam also held the following certifications: Business Valuation, Valuation Analyst, Financial Forensics, and Personal Financial Specialist. Sam was recognized in 2014 as a “Mississippi Leader in Finance.”
Sam understood the ideals of community, of faith, and of service because they defined his life.
Sam was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Laurel and served as the Lay Leader and served as chairman of the Church Council. Sam was also a Lay Member to Annual Conference and served on the Annual Conference Committee on Finance and Administration.
He was elected and served as Public Service Commissioner of the Southern District of Mississippi. As Public Service Commissioner, Sam’s number one goal was to be fair and transparent and protect the ratepayers. He was successful in these efforts.
He tackled very tough issues, and under Sam’s leadership, he got them done.
He completed several marathons including the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., the New York City Marathon, and the San Francisco Marathon, which he completed on his 50th birthday.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Sytilee Britton.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Robin Robinson, sister, Katherine Britton Barker, brothers, Ellis C. Britton, Jr. (Evelyn), Fred Britton (Angela), and Eulon Britton (Shelia), and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Sam impacted so many people in his brief 67 years on this earth through his Christian testimony, financial knowledge, political office, and his smile that would light up any room.
On Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., there will be a visitation at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi.
On Monday, October 23, 2023, at Laurel First United Methodist Church, there will be visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Church, 1710 Dyess Bridge Road, Waynesboro, Mississippi.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sam Britton Scholarship, JCJC Foundation, Inc., 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.
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