Captain Sammie Roger Faulk, 78, was received by his Heavenly Father on Monday, Mar. 25, 2024. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family in Lake Charles.
Captain Sammie was born in Port St. Joe, Fla., on Dec. 26, 1945. He moved throughout the south with his family before settling in the Grand Lake area in 1960. Captain Sammie graduated from Grand Lake High School in 1964. After high school, Captain Sammie studied architecture at both McNeese State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann (Precht) Faulk on Nov. 24, 1967.
Captain Sammie served his country in the US Army and the US Army Reserves from 1969 until 1975. Time in the reserves overlapped with his 18-year stint working for Coburn Supply of Lake Charles. After working for Coburn Supply, Sammie bought Cameron Wildlife Guide Service and became a hunting and fishing guide. After obtaining his Captain’s license, Cameron Wildlife Guide Service evolved into Gotta-Go Charters which operated from 1994 to 2001. Being a Captain, Sammie also worked as a relief Marine Deputy for the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Captain Sammie worked tirelessly to promote the Sportsman’s Paradise that is Southwest Louisiana. He served on the District Board of Commissioners for the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway from 1995 to 2018. His efforts were instrumental in securing substantial grant awards for Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes that increased tourism and economic growth. Over the years, Captain Sammie also served on the Cameron Parish Tourism Commission and the Louisiana Travel Association.
As a member of both the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) and Outdoor Writers Association of America, Captain Sammie hosted local conferences for each. His continuous efforts promoting tourism and economic growth in Southwest Louisiana did not go unnoticed. In 2008, Captain Sammie was awarded a Tourism Lifetime Service Award. Then in 2019, he was presented with the Chuck Buckley Special Friends Award from SEOPA.
Captain Sammie also made several appearances on television promoting the culture of Southwest Louisiana. He made several appearances on Ron Castille’s fishing show and appeared on A Taste of Louisiana with Chef John Folse. Chef Folse accompanied Captain Sammie for a morning of duck hunting. Back at the studio, Captain Sammie and his father, “Johnnie” Faulk, shared how they prepare Baked Goose. Johnnie Faulk, upright bassist for The Hackberry Ramblers, and the rest of the Ramblers entertained the studio audience with their special brand of Cajun music while the food cooked.
Captain Sammie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eddie Mae (Ammons) Faulk.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann (Precht) Faulk; and his children Tara (and husband Brad Derouen), Andrea (and husband Todd Furman), and Russel (and wife Kylie Faulk). Captain Sammie’s surviving siblings are Rebecca (and husband Dennis Nunez), Kay Maxwell, and Edie (and husband Byron Derouen). His grandchildren are Trey Duhon, Lakeyn (and husband Daniel Dupre), Jillian (and husband Addison Pitre), Blair Derouen, Madelyn, Reese, and Vivian Furman, Makayla Boutwell, Benjamin Hudson, and Kaydee Broussard. His great-grandchildren are Fuller, Bexley, and Ledger Dupre, and Langley Pitre. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well.
A celebration of life was held for Captain Sammie on Monday, Apr. 1, at Grand Lake Faith Temple from 12-6 p.m. Pastor Kris Howerton led a memorial service at 4 p.m. Flowers and condolences may be sent to the Grand Lake Faith Temple, 655 Highway 384, Lake Charles, LA 70607.
Patricia Faulk and her children wish to express their extreme gratitude for all of the love, support, and prayers sent their way during this time of loss. Special thanks are extended to the dedicated staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, The Guardian, Cornerstone Hospital, and Harbor Hospice for their loving care of Captain Sammie.
(Paid Memorial)