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Dr. Samuel Dexter Givhan, Jr., age 75, passed peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at his home in Monticello, AR, with his wife, Debbie, and his dear friend, Ben, by his side. Sam was born July 23, 1950, in Pontotoc, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Dexter Givhan, Sr., and Katie Mae (Mallory) Givhan, and his siblings, Cartaral Levirt, Floye Willie, Alvis Russell, Palmer, Annie Virginia “Ruchell”, Mae Delores, and Baby Joe.
Sam leaves behind his loving wife, Debbie (Peacock) Givhan, children Stayc Givhan (Mandie), McKenzie Mason (Seth), Melanie Pugh (Alex), Justin “Jutty” Pugh (Jordan), grandchildren Taylor Mason and Kohen Mason, siblings William Franklin, Cecil Ray, Cora Ann, Hazel, and John Henry Cornolia. He was a treasured uncle and cousin to many.
We mustn’t forget the cats, Grayc, Kitten, Precious, and forever friend Pasquale.
Sam was born and raised in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D in Psychology and Community Counseling. Sam worked at the Mississippi Learning Resource System, founded the Dexter Clinic, served as the Director of School Psychological Services for Oktibbeha County School District, taught as an Assistant Professor of School Psychology at Mississippi State University, worked as a School Psychologist for the Natchez-Adams School District, and retired from the Noxubee County School District as a School Psychologist.
Sam proudly served on many boards and councils that served his communities, most notably the Mississippi and United States Boards of The Arc, which are known for advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities.
Sam was a man of the world on loan to us from the divine. He was an advocate, a cheerleader, a champion, a poet, a dancer, a writer, a shade-tree mechanic, a blue ribbon jam maker, a caroler, a beekeeper, a scout leader, a choir member, a lifelong learner, a world traveler, a handyman, a chef, an eager taste-tester, a teacher, a photographer, a keen observer, a knower, and a believer...just to name of few of his many loves and hobbies. His love of people and hearing their stories created connections all across the world. His time with us, and with all, will be felt for years and generations to come. His loss is heavy on the living, but we know he wants us all to rejoice. Rejoice in the day that the Lord has made.
Amen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Second Baptist Church (189 N. College St.) in Pontotoc, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Dexter Givhan, Sr., and Katie Mae (Mallory) Givhan, and his siblings, Cartaral Levirt, Floye Willie, Alvis Russell, Palmer, Annie Virginia “Ruchell”, Mae Delores, and Baby Joe.
Sam leaves behind his loving wife, Debbie (Peacock) Givhan, children Stayc Givhan (Mandie), McKenzie Mason (Seth), Melanie Pugh (Alex), Justin “Jutty” Pugh (Jordan), grandchildren Taylor Mason and Kohen Mason, siblings William Franklin, Cecil Ray, Cora Ann, Hazel, and John Henry Cornolia. He was a treasured uncle and cousin to many.
We mustn’t forget the cats, Grayc, Kitten, Precious, and forever friend Pasquale.
Sam was born and raised in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D in Psychology and Community Counseling. Sam worked at the Mississippi Learning Resource System, founded the Dexter Clinic, served as the Director of School Psychological Services for Oktibbeha County School District, taught as an Assistant Professor of School Psychology at Mississippi State University, worked as a School Psychologist for the Natchez-Adams School District, and retired from the Noxubee County School District as a School Psychologist.
Sam proudly served on many boards and councils that served his communities, most notably the Mississippi and United States Boards of The Arc, which are known for advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities.
Sam was a man of the world on loan to us from the divine. He was an advocate, a cheerleader, a champion, a poet, a dancer, a writer, a shade-tree mechanic, a blue ribbon jam maker, a caroler, a beekeeper, a scout leader, a choir member, a lifelong learner, a world traveler, a handyman, a chef, an eager taste-tester, a teacher, a photographer, a keen observer, a knower, and a believer...just to name of few of his many loves and hobbies. His love of people and hearing their stories created connections all across the world. His time with us, and with all, will be felt for years and generations to come. His loss is heavy on the living, but we know he wants us all to rejoice. Rejoice in the day that the Lord has made.
Amen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Second Baptist Church (189 N. College St.) in Pontotoc, MS.