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.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Always sorry when a good man leaves the world. My prayers.

[91B]

Was that part of the Iron Brigade? Thank you for your kind words.

[The Duke]

I have this theory that we humans are *far* closer to our forebearers than we can possibly imagine. Thus, your grandfather may have passed, but he remains with you throughout every day.

[DeSoto]

My condolences on your loss. Along with the loss of losing a loved one. It is also the realization of losing a link to the past. Everytime that I lose someone I grieve for them, but I also grieve for losing my living attachment to those special times in the past. Somehow the Depression and WWII along with previous generations are removed further from my life. My history is diminished with each passing.

Your grandfather had a long industrious life and he is now reaping his rewards in the hereafter. It is those that he has left behind that need confort and solace. For that I will say a prayer asking God to bless you with His peace and love.

[VOA]

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.

And a 20-year sheriff. Incredible...and all in one life.
You may have a loss now, but you were lucky to have a forbearer like this in your life.
Deepest Condolences.

[AppyPappy]

Mitchell County. You can see Heaven from there.

My condolences. He sounds like a great man.

[anniegetyourgun]

I recently heard that the WWII vets are passing at the rate of 1,000/day. Our loss.

[fatima]

How blessed you and your family are to have had him.God bless his soul.

[glock rocks]

ping

[91B]

Thank you. My parents divorced when I was very young and my grandfather was my strongest male influence, he was really more like my father.

[OldFriend]

Your grandfather sounds like a man who would be a hero to every caring honorable America. Sorry for your loss. Seems America lost a hero too.

[91B]

Thank you for your kind words.

[Graewoulf]

Well said.

[deadhead]

God Bless your Grandfather, a Veteran and a golfer. I am so sorry for you loss. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.

[GWfan]

May he rest in peace and may God grant you peace and heal the void created by losing your Grandfather.

[Fiddlstix]

God Bless You and Your Grandfather.
(I was very close to my grandfather also.)
U

[MistyCA]

You know, it might have meant much more than you realize that he died on the day he did. My grandmother died on her 95th birthday. My mother-in-law died a day after a couple of birthdays in the family had passed. I think sometimes the time of passing is by design. Maybe 91B's grandfather would have liked to have note made of his love of country and commitment to America. What a guy!

[91B]

I used to love going to my pawpaw's house when I had time off in the summer. From as early as I can remember I adored him.

[91B]

Thank you for your kind words.

[summer]

91B, my condolences.

What you wrote is very moving. Your grandfather would be proud of you.

And, what wonderful memories you'll always have of him for the rest of your life. God bless you both.

Sincerely, summer