Samuel Harrison Claiborn

On February 9, 1949, Sam was born in Springfield, Missouri, to Dorothy and Lavern Claiborn, the middle son of the “Golden Boys,” Stephen and Tom. In 1958, the family packed their bags and moved to Houston, the city that would make an indelible mark in shaping the man that Sam would become and the life he would build.

While growing up in Houston, Sam’s father would take him fishing on the Gulf Coast, sparking a lifetime love of the water and a passion for surfing. Sam was a pioneer surfer of the Texas Gulf Coast surf scene and his passion would take him from the Gulf of Mexico to Hawaii, Mainland Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica to surf some of the best waves in the world. In addition to surfing, he led and enjoyed an active lifestyle, swimming, running, sailing and competing in triathlons.

Sam graduated from Bellaire High School in 1967, where he was a star athlete and football player, awarded “All City Linebacker.” Following high school, Sam moved to Hawaii to begin his undergraduate education and surf the infamous North Shore of Oahu. He fell in love with Hawaii’s culture and beauty, exploring the waterfalls of Waimea Valley and frequenting Kauai to surf his favorite wave Hanalei Bay. After receiving his Bachelor of Science from the University of Hawaii, he moved to Puebla, Mexico, where he studied archaeology and explored ancient sites and caves, ultimately receiving his master’s degree from the University of the Americas. In 1978, he returned to Houston to start his family and his career as a stockbroker at E.F. Hutton. While the name of the firm changed over the years and ultimately became Morgan Stanley, Sam worked for the same company for 42 years.

Sam was frequently described as simply “awesome” with a big personality and smile that radiated warmth, acceptance and kindness. Everyone who knew him said he made them feel so good to be in his presence. Of all Sam’s wonderful qualities, his greatest strength was being a father to his four boys, Jax, Clayton, Nick and Greyson. He was happiest with his family, devoting his time to coaching his sons’ sports teams, taking them surfing, making breakfasts and teaching them life lessons. Through time and perseverance, all that knew and loved Sam came to appreciate his rich sense of humor and endless puns.

In 1992, Sam married Laura, and they would have soon celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on April 11th. Together they enjoyed raising their boys, celebrating and cherishing their many special friendships, taking long walks around Rice University with their beloved dog Karma and creating a loving home.

Sam is preceded in death by his father, Lavern, who also passed too soon.

Sam’s friends and family cherished his generous, joyous spirit and they will miss him terribly. He is survived by his loving wife, Laura; his sons: Jax, Clayton, Nick and Grey; his daughter-in-law, Emily; his mother, Dorothy; his brothers: Stephen and Tom; his sisters-in-law: Barbara and Sharon; and his nieces and nephews: Gwenaelle and her husband, Nic; and Cole and his wife, Olivia. There are countless other friends and family who loved Sam and whom he carried with him in his heart.

The family will host a celebration of Sam’s life on Saturday, January 12, 2019, from 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at Sam’s favorite blues bar, The Big Easy (5731 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77005). In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please join us at his celebration to share your favorite story, picture or memory with Sam.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the abundant friends and family – especially the Claiborns, the Allens and his Morgan Stanley family – who have reached out to support them during this very difficult time. It will be forever appreciated.