Sam Trail, Jr.

Samuel “Sam” Preston Trail, Jr. age 86 of Concord, NC passed away at Lynchburg Health and Rehab in Lynchburg, VA on Friday, May 20, 2022.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 25 from 10 to 11 am at Wilkinson Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held in the chapel at 11 am with Rev. Marvin Goodnight and Sam’s great niece, Chaplain Heather Harris officiating. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife, at Carolina Memorial Park with military honors by the US Air Force.

Sam was born on July 20, 1935 on a dairy farm in Pulaski, VA to Samuel Preston Trail, Sr. and Maude Tabor Trail. Sam served 8 years in the United States Armed Forces, 4 years in the Army and 4 years in the Air Force. He worked 36 years as an electrician at Cannon Mills and 14 years at Wal-Mart in Concord. He was known for his ease in frequent conversation even with total strangers. Some may be surprised to learn of the shyness of his youth. Yet, even as a child he possessed a contagious smile and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by his witness. He will be remembered for his nurturing love, faith, and his signature gift of joy shown through his constant smiling, laughter, and joking around. He will never be forgotten.

Sam was a member of the Maranatha Worship Center, where he attended with his pastor and friend, Rev. Marvin A. Goodnight. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 27, Concord, NC, Society of the 1st Infantry Division, 26th Infantry Regiment Association, and the Iceland Air Defense Command.

Sam was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Lucy Cook Trail, also his parents, 3 sisters, 5 brothers, and one niece. Left to cherish his memory are nephews, Donald William “Billy” Southern, John Southern, Mitchell Eudy, and their spouses; great nieces, Marsha Lyons and Heather Harris, and their families; great nephew, Christopher Knotter and his family; church family and best friend of all, Mrs. Betty Helms.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sam’s name to Maranatha Worship Center, 99 S. White Street, Concord, NC 28027.