On Saturday, Aug. 14, Samuel L. Box, known as Sam, a loving husband and father of four children, peacefully passed away at the age of 70. A native of Fairhope, Sam was born on Dec. 11, 1950. He graduated from Fairhope High School in 1969, where he served as the drum major for the marching band. He played the French horn and received a music scholarship to the University of Mississippi, participating in the marching and symphonic bands, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in geology. Upon graduation, he began working for Marine Specialty Company, Inc. now known as Marspec Technical Products, Inc., established in Mobile, as a ship chandler in 1923. During the almost 50 years that Sam was actively involved in the company, it grew and evolved to serve the needs of the chemical and pulp and paper industries, with a machine shop capable of producing plastic lined piping systems, automated valves and custom fabrications. During the last decade, he established a cooling tower division, which serviced cooling towers in a large region. As Chief Executive Officer and majority shareholder, he had plans to retire in 2023, the 100th anniversary of the company.
Sam is survived by his wife and best friend, Lisa Marsh Box, whom he married on May 20, 1989; his children, Creacy Wallace (Shane), Blanton Reckley (Adam), Sherard Box, and Alexandra “Alex” Box; his grandchildren, Madeline Bearfield, William Reckley and Cooper Reckley. He is also survived by his brother Alex Box (Pat). He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel E. Box and his mother, Elizabeth Hughes Box, and his sister, Christine Waters.
Sam was known for his love of family and heritage, his brilliant mind, his quick wit and ability to tell a good story, his curiosity about many subjects and constant zest for learning. On family trips, he would frequently pull over to the side of the road to show his children interesting geological formations. He was a charitable person and a friend and mentor to anyone who asked for his assistance. Being a self-taught gourmet cook, Sam was happiest preparing his special dishes for family and coworkers. His desire in life was to leave the world a better place and there is no doubt he accomplished that. An honorable Christian man with a strong faith, Sam often quoted Proverbs 16:3 “Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established.” He will be sorely missed.
In keeping with his wishes, Sam’s ashes will be scattered at the family plot in Quitman, Miss. and no formal service will be held. Anyone wishing to remember Sam may donate to International Christian Concern at persecution.org, an organization assisting Christians who are persecuted worldwide.
Arrangements entrusted to Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, 36532. 251-990-7775. www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
