Samuel "Sam" Lee Hurta

In Loving Memory of Samuel Lee Hurta

May 20, 1947 – January 13, 2026 Samuel Lee Hurta, 78, of Bay City, Texas, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, and heart.

Known to most as "Sam," he dedicated his life to protecting his community as the Sheriff of Matagorda County. To Sam, being Sheriff wasn't just a career; it was a calling. He was also a proud and dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge, where he lived out the values of brotherhood and service to others. He was a man who defined the Texas work ethic—hard-working and resilient, yet always maintaining a friendly, approachable nature that made him a pillar of the county.

When he wasn’t in uniform, Sam could almost certainly be found on the sidelines of a football field. A devoted fan of High School Football, he lived for Friday nights. During his years as Sheriff, it became a local tradition to see him walking the sidelines, fervently rooting on his favorite team, the Bay City Blackcats.

Sam’s greatest pride was his family. He was a deeply loving father to his son, Jeffrey Hurta, and his stepsons, Brian Ottis and Shaw Ottis. He also cherished his role as a brother and is survived by his brothers, Frankie Joe (D’Ann) and Billy Boy (Anna), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

He is reunited in heaven with his father, Frank, his mother, Edith, and his sisters, Priscilla, Gay, and Susie. While he loved all his siblings dearly, his bond with Susie was a special one; she was his lifelong best friend, and their reunion is a comfort to those he leaves behind.

A celebration of Sam’s life and service will be held at First Methodist Church in Bay City, Texas. • Date: 03/13/26 • Time: 2:00 PM • Location: 2300 Avenue H, Bay City, TX 77414