09/13/2026
Sammy Joe Mahan passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. He was born to Eddie and Christine Mahan and was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5pm to 7pm at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2pm at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Old Salem Cemetery.
Sammy lived a very interesting and colorful life. For as far back as anyone can remember, he was all about cars. His love for cars started at a young age. When he was just 12 years old, Sammy bused tables and saved every penny he made so he could buy his first car. The car didn’t run, but that didn’t stop him. He pulled the motor out, got it running, and by the age of 13, he had taught himself to drive.
With his love of cars came his love of racing, and Sammy was racing from day one. His adventures even took him to Canada, where he was deported for street racing. In his later years, Sammy got involved in the NHRA drag racing circuit, where he met and worked alongside many great people. One of his proudest accomplishments was building his own Pro Mod Corvette and taking it to the track to race.
After retiring from racing, Sammy still found a way to stay close to the sport he loved. He had the pleasure of hosting an ESPN radio show about racing with his good friend, Bob Mungle. The show was called The Sammy and Bob Show, giving Sammy another opportunity to share his love of racing, his stories, and his larger-than-life personality with others.
Sammy was also a man who believed in helping his community. At one point, he served as a council member for the City of Baytown. He was well known throughout the area for his wrecker service, and you could never miss one of his unmistakable flame-covered trucks.
Sammy had a larger-than-life personality and a story for just about everything. He was truly the man, the myth, the legend. His love for cars, racing, his community, and the people around him made him unforgettable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his stories, his adventures, and his memory will live on for generations to come.
Sammy is survived by:
Mom, Christine Mahan
Wife, Sara Mahan
Daughter, Christie Stringer and husband, Jason
Granddaughter, Abbi Stringer
Grandson, JJ Stringer
Brother, Ed Mahan, and wife Tish
Nephews:
Jesse Mahan, and wife Jenny
Zack Mahan, and wife Robyn
Will Mahan, and wife Candice
Step-daughter, Shara Jameson, and husband, Payton
Grandson, Shane Jameson
Daughter, Marley
Along with numerous great nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by: father, Eddie Mahan; brother, Jerry Mahan; niece, Mandy Evans; and previous wife, Sandy Mahan.
Pallbearers: Jason Stringer, Zack Mahan, Will Mahan, Ryder Mahan, Jesse Mahan, Ed Johnson, James Vaughn (007), and Payton Jameson.
Honorary Pallbearers: Royce Lynn Johnson, Prentice Anderson, Bob Mungle, and Danny Licatino.
To send condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
