Mr. Sam John Edwards

Sam John Edwards, 89, of Salisbury passed away September 25, 2013 at Genesis Health Care of Salisbury. Sam was born January 2, 1924 in Oconee County, SC to the late Clinton Fliedner Edwards and Mae Snead Edwards. He graduated from Duncan High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from December 1942 –December 1945. He fought at Omaha Beach in Normandy France and served throughout the European Theater. Sam was attached to the 294th Joint Assault Signal Company. He was on his way to Japan when the war ended. He married Marcelle Greenway on August 23, 1947. They were married for 66 years. Sam was an engineer in Industrial Management and retired from Celanese Corporation. Sam was a dedicated and faithful member of First United Methodist Church and the Golden Rule Sunday school class. He served in many capacities at the church including lay leader, president of his Sunday school class and chair of the administrative board. Sam and his late wife Marcelle were instrumental in many worldwide mission projects through the Methodist Church. They travelled to Haiti, Dominican Republic and helped begin the construction of Africa University in Zimbabwe, Africa. Later Sam served throughout the southeast helping rebuild homes, churches, and bridges after natural disasters. He assisted in building many Habitat for Humanity homes in Rowan County. Sam served Meals on Wheels for 20 years, was a 60 year Master Mason and a member of Fulton Lodge No. 99 of Salisbury. Sam was recognized as an “Outstanding Scouter” by the Rowan District of the Boy Scouts of America, Member of the American Legion, past president of Milford Hills Lions Club and on the Advisory Committee at Rowan Technical College. Sam’s greatest legacy was the love and devotion to his family and his faith. He was truly a “Fisher of Men” through his ministry in mission work. He epitomized the ideal of Christian discipleship by means of his service and concern for others. His kindness, wisdom and wit carried him into the hearts of all who knew him. Preceding him in death was the love of his life, wife Marcelle G. Edwards and only son Sam John Edwards Jr. Those left to cherish his memory, daughters, Anne Fuller of Greensboro, NC; Jane Edwards Crenshaw and husband Jim of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Nancy Fortenbery and husband Dave of Charlotte, NC; and daughter-in-law, Jenny P. Edwards of Columbia, SC, sisters Sarah Turner, Irene Lewis, and Mary Rinker. Grandchildren: Katharine Rhinehart, Anna Jackson, Carol Anne Earnhardt, Benjamin Parry, Julie Edwards, Sam Fortenbery, Samantha Edwards and step-grandchildren: Andrew Fortenbery and John Fortenbery as well as 10 great-grandchildren are also surviving. A Memorial service will be held at 1 PM Tuesday (Oct. 1) at First United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Steve Haines. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service. The family will hold a private burial at the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Missions Fund, 217 S. Church St, Salisbury, NC 28144 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Mr. Sam John Edwards

January 2, 1924 - September 25, 2013