Obituary of Sam Wylie

Frank Samuel “Sam” Wylie III of Tucson, Arizona unexpectedly passed away on August 16, 2023. Sam was born on August 2, 1983, to Douglas and Patricia Wylie in Tucson, Arizona. Sam was a special individual who lived life to the fullest. After graduating from Amphitheater High School in 2005, Sam worked in the supported employment program at Beacon Group and participated in the Blue Sky Fitness and Recreation Program.

From an early age, Sam was an avid Special Olympics athlete, competing in track and field, basketball, baseball, bowling, swimming, and soccer. He also played tennis for many years. He participated in the Meet Me at Maynards walk every Monday night with his dad, completing his 300th walk on August 7, 2023.

Sam was loved by many, and those that knew Sam know that he loved cars and never forgot the type of car someone drove, even decades later. Sam enjoyed traveling with his family, including trips to Italy, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and several trips to Belize. For over twenty years, he looked forward to his annual trips with Recreational Horizons.

Sam was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Wylie. He is survived by his father, Douglas Wylie; sisters, Mary Lu Bushnell (James Bushnell) and Ruth Wylie (William Cleveland); nephew, Noah Bushnell; and niece, Lucy Cleveland.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the park in Samalayuca Estates, 800 West Samalayuca Drive, on October 28, 2023, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Beacon Group, Special Olympics Arizona – Coronado, or Easterseals Blake Foundation, whose staff took such loving care of Sam for so many years.