Sammy Karl Gabriel, PhD

Sammy Karl Gabriel, PhD of Spartanburg, SC passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the age of 84. He was born on August 9, 1942, in Hennessey, Oklahoma to the late Albert and Irene Johnston Gabriel.

After graduating from Hennessey High School (Class of 1960), Sammy earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma State University and his Doctorate Degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. He went on to become an Analytical Chemist for many years with Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, an environmental chemist at Levi Strauss in El Paso, Texas, and a Technical Director at numerous Environmental companies in EI Paso, Texas.

In his life, Sammy was most proud of his children and grandchildren, his Oklahoma farm heritage, and his environmental work. As a Type 1 diabetic for almost 60 years, he took his health seriously and found that working outside not only kept him fit but brought him great joy. He worked in his yard, and in the yards of neighbors who needed help. He volunteered to clean and maintain his neighborhood, local gardens, and walking trails. Walking became his passion, and in retirement he clocked thousands of miles on trails in many different locations. His family believes he is busy now, walking with Jesus in Heaven!

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Cynthia Wrenn Gabriel; children, Jay Frank Gabriel (Laura) of Philadelphia, PA, S. Jarrett Wrenn (Lizzy) of San Francisco, CA, and Brittany S. Wrenn of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren, Jo Gabriel, Gus Gabriel, Hart Wrenn, and Lakyn Wrenn; and sisters, Sandy Simunek (David) and Kay Meek (Darryl) of Hennessy, OK and Rita McGuire (Steve) of Lenexa, KS; and many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

His family wants to thank Spartanburg Regional Hospice for their loving care of Sammy in the last weeks of life. Extra thanks go to his nurse, Amy Andrews, who very compassionately walked every step with the family.

A Celebration of Life Walk will be announced at a later date.

In memory of Sammy, contributions may be made to

PAL of Spartanburg https://secure.everyaction.com/zFbzS7eABkC1Wc4lsl0qdQ2

Spartanburg Regional Hospice https://regionalfoundation.com/ways-give/online-giving/hospice

Breakthrough T1D (Formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T