Selma lost a leader Friday — a spiritual leader , an active leader for community health and a longtime friend to many — in the death of Dr. Sam O. Moseley Jr.

Born in Selma in May of 1922, Moseley died at the age of 91. He served as a physician in Dallas County for more than 40 years and truly loved not only his work, but the community he served.

Fellow physician and partner Dr. Clyde Cox worked alongside Moseley for 21 years. During that time Cox saw Moseley as more than a co-worker but as a dear friend.

“His favorite lunch was a tomato sandwich,” Cox recalled. “Especially homegrown tomatoes that patients would bring him. We enjoyed many a sandwich together over 21 years.”

Cox said Moseley was a physician who was genuinely concerned with the health and well-being of his patients and maintained contacts long after they were no longer ill.

“Above all, he was probably the consummate Christian physician. He lived an admirable life and was devoted to his church and to his patients, and his patients were devoted to him — they loved him,” Cox said.

Which is why upon retirement the city of Selma named the street near the hospital, Samuel O. Moseley Drive on his behalf.

Dr. C. Richard “Dick” Stewart, who worked alongside Moseley for many years as the area hospital’s only anesthesiologist, agreed saying Moseley loved his patients and he truly loved his job.

“He loved what he did more than anyone I’ve ever known in medicine. He was very, very unique in that respect,” Stewart said. “He was an excellent surgeon, and he was good with his hands.”

Stewart said whenever anyone was in trouble, “you called Dr. Moseley,” noting Moseley was the epitome of excellent consultation.

Not only was Moseley an excellent physician, Stewart said Moseley’s quick wit and kind spirit made working together a wonderful experience.

“He had something humorous to say about many things. One thing was the House of Pain, which was something he told all the nurses, in jest of course. If they didn’t respond to the way he wanted things done, he would submit them to the House of Pain,” Stewart recalled with a laugh. “It sort of got the nurses laughing at the same time letting them know that they better shape up.”

After Moseley retired from private practice, he remained active in the medical community and continued his service on the Judson College Board of Trustees.

Moseley loved Judson College in Marion and believed in the importance of higher Christian education for young women.

Dr. Thomas Wilson, biology professor at Judson College, said he had been good friends with Moseley “forever,” noting that Moseley often gave lectures about anatomy and organ systems to his classes and also donated equipment to their science division.

Wilson recalled some of his favorite moments with Moseley were spent at Moseley’s country home, “Lost Lake.”

“Several times we would go down and fish with him at Lost Lake and we’d talk about nature and biology. He’s always been a really good friend. I’m going to miss him and miss fishing with him,” Wilson said. “He had a quick wit, and always had a funny story and a funny comment every time we went fishing. He was just a fun guy to be with and so smart.”

When Moseley wasn’t fishing at Lost Lake, telling funny stories, giving out free medical advice or teasing his friends and family, Moseley was at First Baptist Church of Selma, where he was a lifetime member.

Moseley’s friends described him as one of the godliest men they ever knew and they considered a privilege to call him a friend.

Selma native Ralph Derryberry said Moseley served as his doctor, friend and Sunday School teacher for many years.

“He was just a solid, godly man,” he said. “He was just the most fantastic Christians I’ve ever known and a great doctor.”

Derryberry said he and Moseley were prayer partners along with Dr. Park Chittom Sr.

“He and I were prayer partners over a period of about five or six years. We met together every Monday,” Chittom said. “He was quite the gentleman and quite the physician and quite the Christian.”

A memorial service for Moseley will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, due to renovations at First Baptist Church.

There will be a visitation with the family will begin at 1:30 p.m in the Kathleen Mallory Parlor of First Baptist.