Corpus Christi businessman and former Citgo president Sam J. Susser left legacy

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct the year Sam Susser was born.

Sam J. Susser, former president of Citgo Petroleum, died Sunday after a long illness.

He was 82.

Susser was born in 1939. His parents started operating a pair of service stations his mom inherited in Corpus Christi. Nearly 30 years later, Susser and his brother Jerry joined the family business and led the company.

The two even invented the world's original pay-at-the-pump system.

The Ray High School and University of Texas graduate held many titles in his life, including executive vice president of Southland Corporation, chairman and CEO of Plexus Financial Services, president of Continental Parts Company, chairman of the board of directors of Susser Holdings Corp., husband, and father.

"Dad loved people, business, great food and lived life to the fullest," Susser's son Sam L. Susser said. "He constantly reminded us that you never go wrong doing the right thing no matter how difficult. "

Sam L. Susser said when his family was faced with difficult decisions, his father's mantra was "to remember our family's North Star: 'Our reputation is everything.'"

"I’ve never known anyone who had as many first-circle, close friendships, not only across the United States, but around the world," Sam L. Susser said. "He was generous with his time, treasure, and always put others before himself. We feel incredibly blessed to inherit his legacy."

Susser Holdings Corp. began as a fuel distribution company founded by his father and grew into a publicly traded Fortune 500 company that operated Susser Petroleum Co., Stripes and Laredo Taco Co.

Recently, Susser served on the board of Susser Bank. He was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2009.

Susser's family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Sam Susser Playground Fund at the Jewish Community Council, McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, UT Southwestern Medical Center or charity of your choice.

John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi businessman Sam J. Susser succumbs to illness