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Passing of Samuel W. Daugherty

21 Sep 2025 9:43 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Sam passed away on September 21, 2025. He retired from NASA after a 30 plus-year career at MSC/JSC.

Sam's obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Comments

  • 3 Oct 2025 9:18 AM | Anonymous member
    Provided by Sam's daughter, Eryn.

    Samuel Wright Daugherty was born on March 7, 1965, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Ralph Wright Daugherty and Bobbie Sue Pledger. He grew up in Corrales and later Estancia, New Mexico, before his family moved to Roswell in 1978. Samuel graduated from Goddard High School in 1983 and went on to attend New Mexico State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at NMSU, he served in the Army National Guard and completed several internships with NASA — an early step toward what would become his lifelong career.

    After graduation, Samuel joined NASA and eventually transferred from Las Cruces, NM, to Houston, TX. Over the years, he made significant contributions to human spaceflight programs, including serving as Quality Assurance Manager for the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle Program. He retired in January of this year as the Division Chief Deputy of the Safety & Test Operations Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center — leaving behind a legacy of technical excellence and unwavering dedication to NASA Human Space Flight Program.

    Samuel was a man of many talents and passions. He loved music and played drums in several bands throughout his life. He enjoyed restoring classic cars, working with his hands, and most recently developed a craft for leatherwork. Above all, Samuel was a man of deep faith — devoted to God, his family, and his church community.

    He is survived by the love of his life, Rachel; his daughter, Eryn; his son, Tyler; and countless other friends, family, and colleagues who will cherish his memory and the impact he made on their lives. Samuel will be remembered for his warmth, his wisdom, his faith, and his unwavering love for those around him.

    -Eryn
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