Samuel Wister “Sam” Fondren, III, age 85, of Columbus, MS, passed away May 28, 2026, at his residence.

Funeral services will be Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rob Dowdle officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbus. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mr. Fondren was born August 17, 1940, to the late Samuel and Charlene Dobbs Fondren, II. He owned and operated Flintlock Sporting Goods and Fondren Heating and Air. Mr. Fondren was a master electrician and plumber and “Jack of all Trades” and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gold prospecting. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor “Ellie” Fondren, brother, Craig Fondren; sister, Debbie Silas; stepdad, Harold Dabbs; and grandson, Jonathan Fondren.

Mr. Fondren is survived by son, Sammy (Angela) Fondren; grandchildren, Casey (Christine) Fondren; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Sadie, and Evie Fondren; granddaughter, Ana (Tanner) Dement; son, Tim (Barbara) Fondre; grandchildren, Chris (Treasure) Fondren; great-grandchildren, Marleigh and Easton; granddaughter, Chasity Fondren (Jim Logan); great-grandchildren, Bryson and Bentley Nash; granddaughter, Tabatha (Wade) Swindol; great- grandchildren, Addie and Peyton; son, Daniel (Tammy) Fondren; granddaughter, Ashlee (Will) Jones; great- grandchildren, Greyson and William; granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Heston) Vaughn; great-grandchild, Beverly; grandson, Kody (Tristen) Fondren; grandchildren, Dawson Cox and Isabelle Fondren; son, Jason (Amanda) Fondren; grandson, Morgan (Alyssa) Franks, great grandchildren Kinsleigh, Tucker, and Sawyer Franks; granddaughter, Raichel (Austin) Pinkerton; great-grandchild, Hayden Pinkerton; son, Ben Fondren; granddaughter, Karlee Fondren (great-grandson on the way); granddaughter, Baylee (Chandler) Collums.

Pallbearers will be Sammy Fondren, Tim Fondren, Daniel Fondren, Jason Fondren, Ben Fondren, and Kody Fondren.

Honorary pallbearers wll be Casey Fondren, Christopher Fondren, Morgan Franks, and Dawson Cox.