Samuel Moore Walton (March 29, 1918 – April 5, 1992) was an American business magnate best known for founding Walmart and Sam’s Club, which he started in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962 and Midwest City, Oklahoma in 1983. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. grew to become the world’s largest corporation by revenue and the biggest private employer globally.
For a period, Walton was the richest person in the United States. His family has remained the richest family in the U.S. as of January 2025. Walton died of blood cancer at age 74 and was buried in Bentonville Cemetery in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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Sam Walton Net Worth
Sam Walton had a net worth of $23 billion at the time of his death in April 1992. At his peak, Sam Walton and his family were worth at least $23 billion, making him the richest person in America at that time. Some sources estimate his net worth at nearly $25 billion in 1992.
By his death, Walton had transferred most of his Walmart ownership to his children, structuring it through a family holding company (Walton Enterprises) to minimize taxes and maintain control.
Early Life
Samuel Moore Walton was born to Thomas Gibson Walton and Nancy Lee in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. His family moved frequently, eventually settling in Columbia, Missouri, where Walton did various jobs to help his family during the Great Depression.
He graduated from David H. Hickman High School and attended the University of Missouri, joining Beta Theta Pi fraternity and the honor societies QEBH and Scabbard and Blade. After graduating in 1940 with a degree in economics, Walton worked for J.C. Penney before serving in World War II as a captain in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps.
Career
The first true Walmart opened on July 2, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas, at 719 West Walnut Street. Known as the Wal-Mart Discount City store, Sam Walton focused on marketing American-made products and sought American manufacturers to supply merchandise at low prices.
Walton’s model, inspired by Meijer, located stores in smaller towns to limit competition. His focus on logistics, regional warehouses, and efficient delivery enabled Walmart’s growth from 190 stores in 1977 to 800 by 1985. This growth led to the term “Walmart Effect,” describing its economic impact.
Personal life
Sam Walton married Helen Robson on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1943. They had four children: Samuel Robson (Rob) (born 1944), John Thomas (1946–2005), James Carr (Jim) (born 1948), and Alice Louise (born 1949).
Walton supported various charitable causes and was active in the 1st Presbyterian Church in Bentonville, where he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher. Walton integrated the concept of “service leadership” into Walmart, emphasizing Christian service. He was diagnosed and treated for Hairy cell leukemia.
Who did Sam Walton leave his money to?
Sam Walton left half of his then-$17 billion estimated fortune to charitable trusts and a third to his only child, Lukas Walton, now 29. The rest went to Christy.
Conclusion
Sam Walton’s net worth of $8.6 billion at the time of his death is a mere fraction of the vast wealth he created, which continues to grow and impact the global economy. His legacy as a pioneer in the retail industry lives on through Walmart, solidifying his status as a true icon of American entrepreneurship.
FAQs about Sam Walton
1. What was Sam Walton’s business philosophy?
Sam Walton’s business philosophy centered around customer satisfaction, low pricing, and efficient supply chain management, which became the core principles of Walmart’s operations.
2. How did Sam Walton impact the retail industry?
Walton revolutionized the retail industry with his focus on discount retailing, large-scale purchasing, and a wide array of products, setting new standards in the industry.
3. What awards and recognitions did Sam Walton receive?
Sam Walton was recognized for his business achievements with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1992.
4. How did Sam Walton’s early life influence his career?
Sam Walton’s early experiences working various jobs during the Great Depression instilled in him the values of hard work, thrift, and customer service.
5. What is the legacy of Sam Walton?
Sam Walton’s legacy lies in his creation of Walmart and Sam’s Club, his transformative impact on retail, and the vast wealth and employment opportunities his companies have generated.
