At 75 years young, Sammy Walker’s life is defined by three pillars: faith, family, and a relentless commitment to others. Married to the love of his life, Lisa, for 45 years, Sammy’s journey has taken him from the Olympic stage to the heart of Texas community service.

A world-class athlete during the 1970s, Sammy represented the United States as a 1976 Olympian in the shot put and excelled as a competitive weightlifter. This same discipline carried into his professional life, where he spent 35 years in the Texas BBQ business before transitioning to Whataburger of Mesquite. For the past decade, he has managed the catering division for 23 units.

Beyond his professional success, Sammy is a man of deep faith, having served as a Preacher of the Gospel for 30 years. His heart for service is evident in his massive philanthropic footprint, including over 40 years of work with the National Olympic and Paralympic movements and dual membership in the Lakeside and Mesquite Ambucs. Through hosting charity golf tournaments for over 35 years, Sammy has helped raise over $1 million for various causes. Guided by his passion to serve as his “Savior served,” Sammy continues to be a pillar of leadership and generosity in his community.