My grandfather passed away today

Nov. 12, 2001 | 91B

[91B]

My grandfather Samuel Carter Gouge passed away this afternoon at the VA hospital in Asheville, NC. With JimRob's indulgence I would like to post a brief obituary here on FR where it can be read by the finest collection of patriots I can think of.

Sam C. Gouge of Bakersville, NC died today at the Veteran's Administration hospital in Asheville, he was 85. Born in 1916 and named for his grandfather, a Civil war veteran of the third NC mounted infantry regiment of the Army of the Cumberland, Gouge was the son of a veteran of the Phillipine campaign in the Spanish-American war.

He graduated from Tipton Hill high school where he played basketball and baseball and worked in Gates City, Virginia until being drafted into the Army in 1942.

After training at Camp Wheeler in Macon, Georgia Gouge was sent overseas to Italy where he served with the 88th Infantry division. In November of 1944 Gouge was wounded in combat and evacuated to France where he served out the remainder of the war. Gouge earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and European, Mediterranean and North African campaign medal.

Upon leaving the service in 1946 Gouge, a lifelong Republican, was elected Sheriff of Mitchell County, NC-a post he would hold until 1966. Gouge would consistently win reelection to office, often without opposition.

Gouge was a 2 handicap golfer and in the early 1970s he won the club championship at Grassy Creek Country Club-the Rhodedendron open.

Sam Gouge was an avid Republican partisan and he served on the NC state board of corrections during the administration of Gov. Jim Martin. He leaves behind his wife, Lois Gouge, three daughters, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

[91B]

My grandfather was my personal hero. I am trying to write an obituary for the local newspapers-this is the first draft. What I have said here is not a fraction of what he meant to me. One the things he always tried to impress upon me was how fortunate we were to be Americans. FR helps to sustain that belief in me every day.

[anniegetyourgun]

What a guy, 91B - and your grandfather too. I'm sorry it had to be on Veteran's Day - given that you are both vets. However, in the many years hence, this holiday will always hold even stronger meaning.

My prayers for you and yours tonight.....

[UB355]

My Great Grandfather also fought in the Army of the Cumberland. 24th WI.

[Patrick]

My condolences 91B.I lost mine years ago and think of him often as he and my grandmother raised me for many years.The fond memories seem to sustain me in my darkest periods.

[TonyInOhio]

A real hero among us, 91B.

May he rest in peace.

[ftrader]

My heart goes out to you for losing one of the "Greatest Generation."

Be heartened you knew and enjoyed him. I miss my dad who died several years ago at the age of 86. Since you are younger, bless you for knowing your grandfather so well as to write a tribute to him. I hope other Freepers will read this thread and appreciate it as well.

Take care and enjoy the wonderful memories!

[kayak]

What a beautiful tribute! May all the good memories help to sustain you, your grandmother, and all your family.

God be with you!

[MistyCA]

My heart goes out to you. I never knew either one of my grandfathers, but I can remember when my grandmother passed away as if it were yesterday. I keep a small picture of her in my office and whenever things seem to be difficult I look at her picture and the answers just seem to come to me. She was a warrior in her own right....raising her children on her own and heading through life with a strong sense of commitment and direction.

I know how much your grandfather must mean to you. It is his spirit that will live on to guide you in your life. Some things just never die. And that's a good thing.

[Lower55]

He's not 'completely' "gone". Talk to him, he hears you.

[Gorest Gump]

It sounds like your grandfather was quite a man. My condolences to you and your family.

[glock rocks]

One the things he always tried to impress upon me was how fortunate we were to be Americans.

so, put that in there.

condolences, prayers, and thanks to your grandfather for his service to our country.

[ladyinred]

What a nice tribute to your grandfather. I am sure he would be proud of you. Please accept my sympathy for your loss. It seems somehow sadder to lose him on the day we celebrate Veteran's day.

[exit82]

I'm sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. I encourage you to add some reflections to the official obituary concerning the values your grandfather held dear. It will make his obituary stand out and be well remembered for years to come. Don't be shy or let others tell you,no, that's in bad taste. That is untrue. Speak of his love of country and how he served his fellow man. If it costs a few extra bucks to print, it will be the finest investment you ever made.

[jwalsh07]

I am a grandpa 5 times over 91B and I hope my grandchildren love me the way you loved your grandpa.

Godspeed an older Army brother.

[MistyCA]

He's not 'completely' "gone". Talk to him, he hears you.

And listen to him because he will be there like an angel on your shoulder.

[planter]

I have to disagree with Anniegetyourgun. How appropriate it is for a war hero to receive his ultimate reward on veterans day. My condolences to you and your family.

[DLfromthedesert]

My condolences for your great loss. What a wonderful man!!! You're fortunate to have had him in your life.

[america76]

I always hate to hear of the passing of an old WWII guy like your grand dad. The replacements this world churns out today are a mostly, pretty poor substitute for guys like him. I'm glad you appreciated him while you had him around. All too soon, the time will come when you'll never see anything like him again.

[91B]

Thank you for your kind words-I last saw him on Saturday but My Aunt and a cousin went to see him yesterday and said that he was doing well. My Mother as well as her sisters and grandmother were with him when he died.

[In veno, veritas]

Condolences