Mr. Samuel Horace Starnes, age 89, passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Pruitt Health in Harrisburg.
A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, September 21 at 1 pm at Carolina Memorial Park. Pastor Randy Drafts of Faith Lutheran Church will officiate.
Sam was born August 16, 1929 in Mecklenburg County, a son of the late William Franklin and Gertrude Porter Starnes. His sister, Doris Edwards and brothers, Clyde and James Starnes, also preceded him in death.
Sam served our country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and retired as a receiving coordinator with Fort James Corporation.
Sam was a sharp dresser, taking pride in his appearance and receiving countless compliments on his beautiful, always well-kept, white hair. He had a soft-spoken, gentle manner, and was publicly quiet and reserved. But with the fortunate ones in his inner circle, he was quick witted and incredibly funny, joking and laughing with friends and caregivers, and entertaining all with his impersonations of TV character “Mr. Haney” and Australian actor/comedian Paul Hogan, “Crocodile Dundee”.
Sam’s interests included watching sports, especially bowling tournaments, and golf, always rooting for his favorite player, Tiger Woods. He enjoyed traveling, was a good dancer, loved country and disco music, and excelled as a bowler on many leagues. Affectionately known as the “Silver Fox” at the Kannapolis Foxfire Lanes, he threw a mean left-handed curve ball and consistently helped his various teams to championship levels. Sam continued to bowl regularly until March of 2018.
He was blessed with a rare sense of kindness, thoughtfulness and was extremely considerate to all he met, exemplifying these traits especially to his dear friend Audry. His most precious moments were times spent with her. Her love for Sam was truly proven during these last few months before his death.
Survivors include his daughters, Cindy Stovall of Connelly Springs and Tammy Russell of Connecticut; 3 grandchildren; longtime and loving companion, Audry Herrin; special friends, Kay Yates and Tony Herrin, and a number of other loving and caring friends who will miss Sam’s fun-loving personality.