Sam M. Fretwell - Fair Funeral Home

Sam M. Fretwell September 30, 1932 - October 25, 2012

Born: Friday Sep 30, 1932

Died: Thursday Oct 25, 2012

Obituary

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Sam McGehee Fretwell, age 80, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 25, 2012. His final weeks were spent with his family by his side.

Sam was born in Reidsville, N.C. on September 30, 1932. As a young man, Sam played basketball for Wentworth High School. Sam served in the US Army during the Korean war. He graduated from Elon College with a degree in chemistry and retired from Burlington Industries as a chemist in 1988.

Sam was loved and admired for his calming demeanor, intelligence, sense of humor, and servant��?ᬮ��?묢s heart. Sam was passionate about politics, veterans��?ᬮ��?묢 affairs, and community service. He served in the American Legion, Will of the People, Rockingham County Republican Party, and Eden Kiwanis. He was also an active church member and Deacon. He was a member of The First Baptist Church in Eden and he quickly became involved at the Lake Norman Baptist Church after his recent move to Cornelius, N.C. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Arlene Stanley Fretwell; daughter Debra (Debbie) Fretwell Harton and her fianc��?⬨��, Michael Gennosa, of Cornelius, N.C.; son Mark Fretwell and his wife, Robin, of Belmont, N.C.; four grandchildren, Sara Yazbeck and her husband, George, of Charlotte, N.C.; Leigh Harton of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Spencer Fretwell of Belmont, N.C. and Scarlet Fretwell of Belmont, N.C.; brother Curtis Fretwell and his wife, Cybil, of Reidsville, N.C.; sister Betty Ann Roberts and her husband, Maurice, of Reidsville, N.C.; sister-in-laws Elaine McKinney and Janice Turner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edward and Edna Sparks Fretwell; four brothers, Thomas Fretwell, Jr., Eugene Fretwell, Jessie Fretwell, Zeb Fretwell; and two sisters, Mary Hill and Sunshine Hill.

The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, at First Baptist Church, 533 Greenwood Street, Eden, N.C. with Pastor Craig Bowman officiating. Burial will follow on Monday at 10 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Reidsville, N.C.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 at Fair Funeral Home, 432 Boone Road, Eden, N.C.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com

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Arlene, Debbie, Mark and family - I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. He was such a good man - I loved playing golf with him and talking about business and politics. He had a great nature and openness about him - our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn and Flavia Harton

Our sympathy is with the Fretwell Family. Arlene was my dear friend during high school in Reidsville .
Becky and Bob Harrison

So sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I know you have a lot of good memories to cherish the rest of your life. I will lift you up in prayer each day. God Bless.
Julia Somers

To the family: Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss of Sam, a dear friend to so many, including myself. May you be comforted by the Lord's love and presence during this very difficult time. Phil Berger
Senator Phil Berger

Mr. and Mrs. Fretwell, Thank you for being such a great influence in my life! You showed a little fourth grade girl many years ago what a godly family is. I loved spending time at your house. Mr. Fretwell was a great, kind man and I am thankful God put him in my path! Love you all! Alison
Alison Brown

Arlene and family, we were so sorry to hear of Sam's loss. I remember our meeting at Southpoint Baptist in Belmont and was so surprised to see y'all at First Baptist Eden. You were such a sweet couple and always so welcoming. Please know we are keeping you all in our prayers and pray that God will give you the peace that passeth all understanding. God Bless you all.
Myron and Debbie Horton

Dear Arlene and Family, Please know that you are being lifted up in prayer in your time of loss. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Lesa Southard

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sam was a wonderful person, a dedicated volunteer in the community and he will be missed very much.
Dot and Jim Bush

To The Family: Let it be known that the American Legion has lost a great leader. Sam was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and Post 79. Sam has left his worldly assignment to accept an assignment at a higher headquarters.
C.D. Grant

Dear Arlene, Mark, and family, I am sorry for your loss, but am extremely grateful for your longtime friendship and for God's infinite grace. Sam was a great encouragement and support to me as I came to know and grow in the Lord. Arlene, I love and appreciate you so much. Mark, thanks for being my friend. I love you all. May the Lord cover you with His love and peace.
Joe Lawing

Our sincere sympathy and prayers are with you all. Sam was a very sweet and special man and will be missed.
Chuck and Debra Roach

Malinda and I offer our sincere condolences to you, Arlene, and to your family at Sam's passing. I first met Sam when we worked at Meadow Dairies Ice Cream Shop in Reidsville in 1954. He was always kind and considerate to customers and to colleagues. I last saw you two at Penn Center Nursing home when you were visiting your uncle Henry. God bless you. Our prayers are with you.
Tommy Collins

Arlene and family: We want to express our thoughts and prayers for you during this time. We were fortunate to be with Elaine when she received the news. She was deeply touched which revealed her great love for you and all the family. Proverbs 3:5-6 Dale and Daris Martin, Radford, Va
Dale and Daris Martin

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