Sam Brannum

Samuel (Sam) Douglas Brannum, age 71, left us on Friday, December 9, 2022 at John McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. His wife, Lisa, was at his side. He leaves behind Family who were Friends and Friends who became Family.

Christian, Charming, Outdoorsman, Public Servant, Politician, Philanthropist, Navy Man, People-Oriented, All-Around Nice Guy and Soulmate were the most important of Sam’s many personas. He always said he had the best life of anyone he knew.

Sammy, as he was known by his high-school friends, was born on Monday, March 19, 1951, in Osceola, Arkansas, to the late Carl and Mildred (Millie) Brannum. Sam was big brother to Kathy (Prislovsky). He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1969 and enlisted in the United States Navy. Sam’s career in the Navy took him on two combat tours to Vietnam serving on, as he liked to call it, “the smallest destroyer in the US Navy” -- the USS Ramsey.

Returning home to Jonesboro, he attended Arkansas State University, earning a degree in Business and Economics in 1978. His second public service venture came a year later, becoming a U.S.Census Bureau regional coordinator in Northeast Arkansas for the 1980 census.

Shortly thereafter, Sam landed his “dream” job serving on the staff of Congressman William V. “Bill” Alexander of Arkansas’ First Congressional District, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Staff. Instrumental in securing assistance for towns, counties and regional water distribution districts throughout the First District, Sam left a legacy of infrastructure and public safety improvements too numerous to count. He served Congress before transitioning to his consulting firm, “Capital Ventures, Inc.”, providing services for countless individuals, businesses and agencies seeking assistance with federal loan programs.

Sam married Lisa on February 14, 2008, in the Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda. They built their life between Little Rock, Jonesboro and Mountain View, Arkansas homes.

To say Sam was an avid hunter and fisherman would be an understatement. Trout fishing was his passion, as were deer, turkey, duck, and pheasant hunting. His hunting expeditions took him all over the country; even on a duck hunt with the President of the United States; but he always came back to his Arkansas hunting clubs: “CV Hunt Club” for deer, “Duckport South” for ducks, and “SouthWind” for trout.

Fishing the White River was a passion. Sam knew all the hot spots and just what bait would bring in the “keepers.” The only requirements to fish with Sam was you had to listen to Marty Robbins songs repeatedly prepared to sing along and, if you caught a trout, to scream “Rainbow”.

Sam had an infectious laugh that complemented his perpetual smile. He made friends easily and kept them for a lifetime. His sense of humor was boundless. He loved with all his heart. He will be truly missed by all.

A private Walk of Honor ceremony was held Friday, December 9, 2022 at McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. 

Interment with Military Honors at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., 1501 W Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, AR.

A Service to Honor Sam’s Life, with Military Honors, will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR, with Dr. Randy Hyde and Harry Truman Moore presiding.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions. Two that Sam supported: Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org) or the Arkansas Food Bank (ArkansasFoodBank.org).