Sammy E Wilbanks “Woofy” passed away at home on December 2, 2025 at the age of 76, after a long, courageous battle with MDS (a rare form of leukemia). He was born in Morenci, Arizona on January 18, 1949 to Seaborne Hayes Wilbanks and Virgie Counts Wilbanks. He was the youngest of three boys.
At the age of six, Sam’s father passed away and the family moved back to Texas but later returned to Arizona. His mother later married Mel McClintock and he gained another brother and sister with this union. After graduating from high school, Sam joined the Air Force and was stationed in Dover, Delaware. He served in Vietnam where he was a jet engine and airplane mechanic.
After returning from Vietnam, he began working at Magma Copper and soon married the love of his life, Vicki Eske, and they welcomed two children. In 1977 he, his wife, and the two young children moved to Tooele where he worked at Anaconda Mine until it shut down. At that time, he was hired by Utah Power and Light (“UP&L”) where he met many friends who also became like family. Sam left UP&L for several years to run his own electrical contracting business called Cross Enterprises where he met many people and made many lasting friendships.
He later returned to UP&L and ultimately retired from there. During that time, he felt the Lord had bigger plans for him so he became a pastor at the Castle Dale Independent Baptist Church, which led to much of the public coming to know him as “Pastor Sam”. He started preaching out of a home in Castle Dale and later the church moved to the Senior Citizen Center. He later helped remodel the old Sherald’s Drive Inn located in Orangeville and it became the new home for the church. He soon retired from UP&L and became a full-time pastor. Sam was a pastor, but those who knew him understood that he didn’t do all of his preaching behind the pulpit. It didn’t matter where he was, if he had something on his heart, he was going to share it. He enjoyed the old church hymns and would hum them everywhere he went with his arm moving like he was leading song service. He preached for over 22 years and loved every moment of it.
Sam enjoyed hunting, whether or not he got his animal, as long as he was sharing the outdoors and time with his family or friends. That’s what was important to him. He enjoyed riding in the mountains and desert atop one of his mules which led to the nickname “Sam the Mule Man” and when he heard them bray, he would respond with, “Sounds like angels singing.”
When Sam was not on the mountain or on the back of a mule, he was in his shop working on old vehicles. He restored a 1966 Chevelle Super Sport and was the proud owner of a 1971 C10 Fleetside. God also gave him the gift of poetry. Many of his friends have requested copies of the poems he has written. He was a speaker at the local Cowboy Poetry events a few times and has also had a couple poems published.
Sam had a love for Jesus and he wanted the world to know about him. He never was too sick to share a story about Jesus or a scripture or a song. He would read Bible stories or sing hymns to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever he had the opportunity. He had a love for people and if you entered his home, you were his friend. If you stayed very long, you became family. He never met a stranger because he was going to talk to you (or more likely joke with you) whether you liked it or not. He loved to laugh and to tell stories. He gave the best hugs and loved with his whole entire heart.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki; children, Eric (Shilo) Wilbanks, St. George, Melinda (Dub) Gordon, Ferron; grandchildren, Vade (special friend Maisy), Zane and Daxton Wilbanks, Kelton Gordon and McKynlee (Conner) Kinross; great-grandchildren, Roper and Bronx Kinross; brother, Hayes (Cathy) Wilbanks, Texas; sister, Linda (Wayne) Bratcher, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Wilbanks, Janette McClintock, and Joy (Joe) Meoak, Arizona; and brother-in-law, Sonny Gilbreath, Idaho; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends that were more like family to him; and we can’t forget to mention his loyal companion, Slick (his dog).
Preceded in death by his father, Seaborne Hayes Wilbanks; his mother, Virgie Counts Wilbanks McClintock; stepfather, Mel McClintock; father-in- law, Wyman Eske; and mother-in-law, Maude Eske; brothers, Carroll “Tex” Wilbanks and Dennis “Butch” McClintock; sisters-in-law, Judi Wilbanks, Judy Wilbanks, and Nyla Gilbreath; and a nephew, Michael Wilbanks.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, 1:00 p.m., at the Ferron City Cemetery. If you would like to share the love of Jesus like Sam did, do so by giving to someone in need.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gagon and staff, Tiana from Symbii Home Health and Hospice, Becky and Stephanie at the infusion center, as well as the lab girls at Castleview Hospital, Dr. Osman and her staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for the long-term care provided, and Bobby and Robbi at Mitchell Funeral Home. Thank you from all the family for the love and care you have shown our dad and family during this difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends and family are always welcome daily and may share memories of Sam online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.