Mr. Samuel Earl Patterson, 89, of Carthage, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Dahlia Gardens, Aberdeen, North Carolina.

Services: Viewing will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. and Funeral Services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at A.E. Grier & Sons Funeral and Cremation, 2310 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206.

The family is requesting ALL floral arrangements to be sent to A. E. Grier & Sons, 2310 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28206.  Phone: (704) 377-4243

Samuel Earl Patterson, son of the late Florence Digsby Dunn, (father was deceased at birth), was born on October 12, 1934, in Union County, NC. He peacefully departed on September 26, 2024, at Dahlia Gardens in Aberdeen, NC.

Sam received his formal education through the Mecklenburg County Public School System. At a young age, he was active in the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte, NC, where he accepted Christ as his Personal Savior. Sam was known for his loving, friendly, funny, and outgoing personality; he met no strangers. He was affectionately known as Sam, Sam Earl, Sambo, Rabbit, Jitty Bug, and “Cap” by his son, Eric and closest friends.

Sam drove a Mecklenburg County school bus during high school, worked at Harris Teeter and drove a cab in Mecklenburg County. His fondest memories and stories as a young adult were of his job driving a truck for Budweiser in Charlotte. He left Charlotte and moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for Gartenhaus Furs in Bethesda, Maryland, for over 50 years. Respected as one of the best furriers in the DMV, he was loved and respected by the Gartenhaus family and customers. The love and admiration received from his Gartenhaus family were significant as the highlight of his career and the impetus for his personal growth. Sam was the best furrier in Washington, DC and the first black furrier for Gartenhaus Furs and that region. He was well-known in the DMV area and had a reputation for being one of the top salesmen. Sam could always make you laugh; he had the most caring and giving heart to make everyone feel welcome and ensure you didn’t need anything.

Sam and Francis Smith (deceased) joined in Holy Matrimony in July of 1963 in York, SC. Their union was blessed with one child (Eric).

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughters, Joann Roberts, Wybeatrice Smith, Trenita McMurray, and his beloved son, James Patterson (Trudy), of Charlotte, NC, his stepfather, Willie Lee Dunn, his brother, Luther Dunn (June), and his beloved stepsisters, Janie Lee White and Ruby Dean.

Sam leaves to continue his legacy, his daughter, Sandra “Angela” Agnew, of Columbus, OH; his son, Eric Patterson (Cheryl) of Carthage, NC; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Sam had many childhood memories of being raised by his grandparents and growing up in a house of love with his cousins, whom he considered siblings, all of whom preceded him in death. He recently was surprised by one of his favorite cousins/sisters, Mary Washington, who always made him smile and feel special. They reunited in love last year before her passing. We know
that Sam is at peace, that his unconditional love and kindness will always be with each of us, and that he will forever live in our hearts.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Samuel Earl Patterson in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.