Feb. 3, 1938 — April 10, 2014

NATCHEZ — Funeral services for Samuel Graf “Sammy” Eidt, 76, of Natchez, who died Thursday, April 10, 2014 at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Tuesday until time of services at the church.

Mr. Eidt was born Feb. 2, 1938, the son of Andrew H. Eidt and Edna C. Eidt. He was a member of St. Mary Basilica.

He nurtured his love of sports through the summer playground programs. In 1950, Sammy was the pitcher on the first Little League team to go to the World Series, and his little brother, Arthur, was the catcher. His team missed winning the Little League World Series by one game. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1956. He also participated in the 1956 North and South All-Star game. In an article written by Ray Hurt, he quoted, “If we had to choose one top athlete who would likely be a star, in all three sports, at any of the three high schools, our choice would go to Sammy Eidt.” He was known as a great athlete, receiving many awards for his athletic ability. After receiving many offers at the next level, he chose to begin a new chapter in his life. With his business flair, he started at B.F. Goodrich and later he was recognized as an entrepreneur. He ventured out, becoming the owner of Eidt Oil and Gas, developer/owner of Morgantown Plaza Shopping Center, a farmer and cattleman. He faced many challenges head on.

He volunteered his time to be the first basketball coach at ACCS along with Vester Smith. He was the president of Morgantown Booster Club. During those years, he was also a coach for numerous Dixie Youth baseball teams, along with refereeing high school football.

He participated in the Natchez Pageant, providing his hounds for The Hunt. He had a fondness for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He as the opwner-president of Big Buck Hunting Club for 25 years, and his dream farm, Doe Hill, in Jefferson County being “green grass and black cows.”

Sammy’s love and compassion for his family was untouchable. He taught his children and grandchildren the values of life through his many hours spent with them. Being the prankster that he was, he always kept his family on pins and needles not knowing what was next.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Arthur Eidt.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Prissy Eidt; two daughters, Dawn Eidt Hogue and husband Keith of Gulfport and Morgan Eidt Dollar and husband Robbie of Natchez; one son, Paul Blair Eidt and wife Jennifer of Natchez; 10 grandchildren, Justin Dollar, Garrison Hogue, Adam Dollar, Colin Dollar, Ashton Hogue, Brandon Hogue, Mason Hogue, Blair Eidt, Bailee Ryann Eidt and Alison Patricia Adair Hogue; one great-grandchild, Sawyer Kate Dollar; one brother, Andrew Eidt of Southaven; three sisters, Delilah Beesley and husband Walter, Sue Beesley and husband Ken, all of Natchez, and Phyllis Barrett of Houston.

Pallbearers will be Justin Dollar, Adam Dollar, Garrison Hogue, Colin Dollar, Ashton Hogue, Brandon Hogue, Mason Hogue and Blair Eidt.

Our love for him is unforgettable — Thank you for being such a loving husband, father and grandfather. We love you!

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be made to lairdfh.com.