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.

[Bob Evans]

may he RIP.

[RightOnline]

My fondest wish is to be remembered by my progeny in such a way.

Your grandfather was obviously a great American. I can't help but feel that our country is poorer with his loss. To Jesus' loving arms..........

[91B]

Returning your salute.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful tribute to your grandfather! May God always bless you and those you love!!!

[EverOnward]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Your Grandfather must be very proud of you and appreciative of the beautiful words you wrote about him. We honor those we love by living up to the principles they instilled in us. It is clear your Grandfather taught you well. My condolences.

[91B]

Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am trying to organize what I want to say. Your father sounds like a fine man.

[91B]

thank you for your kind words.

[91B]

Thank you. My pawpaw used to take me to Tweetsie Railroad in Boone and we would ride the train together, part of the ride featured an indian attack and a shootout with the cowboys. I think he had more fun than I did.

[VA Advogado]

Great Guy! What a day for him to pass.

[sistergoldenhair]

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

so, put that in there.

There has been a reluctance for some time to refrain from emotional, personal revelations in obituaries. (just the facts, ma'am). Those people that care want more than the bare bone statements; some sense of the person should endure, in print, through the ages.

[murdoog]

My condolences, but also my congratulations for having such a sterling fellow as a grandfather. I can understand why writing the obituary is so difficult...it sounds like he led a life that a few column inches simply could not contain! But you're to be commended for taking on this task.

My prayers are with you and your family.

[91B]

Thank you both for your kind words, my grandfather would have loved to see 4 more conservative justices on the USSC.

[91B]

Thank you both for your kind words.

[No!]

2 handicapper!

My kind a guy!

My sympathies, but I KNOW you'll meet again!

God Bless...

[skr]

May God grant you and your family peace and strength.

Is there anything he said that inspired you or perhaps your family? Something representative of his personality or principles for all to read.

[91B]

I will pray for them, thank you for your kind words.

[mafree]

Your grandfather sounds like a great patriot. It's kind of fitting that he get the ultimate reward of heaven on Veteran's Day. God rest his soul and my condolences to you and the rest of your family.

[91B]

Thank you for your kind words.

[91B]

Thank you, he really did love America.

[91B]

Thank you for your kind words.