Samuel George Deal

On November 20, 2014 Samuel George Deal returned home to his heavenly Father. After a life that reflected his strong faith in Jesus Christ through his integrity and personal relationships, he now enjoys a reunion with those who passed before him, including his parents—Haden and Vida, siblings—Mable, Thelma, and David, and a granddaughter, Caroline. Although Nancy, his wife, will miss him terribly, he left no doubt of his eternal destination after his death, and she will anxiously await their reunion. He is survived by his son, Sam Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Spokane, Washington, and their children—Michelle and George. He is also survived by his son, Steve and his wife, Mitzi, of Charlotte, and their children—Samantha, Meredith, and Stephen. Sam was born on December 26, 1930 along the shore of Lake Hickory in Alexander County near Taylorsville, North Carolina. He married Nancy McBride, also from Taylorsville. After marrying, they lived in Taylorsville, where Sam worked at Smithey's Department Store prior to taking a job with the Merita Bread Company. They then moved to Hickory where they stayed until 1956 when Sam took a job with Pfizer/Roerig Division. This job change brought them to Charlotte where they remained for the duration of their lives. Throughout Sam's career, his business was built on integrity and strong personal relationships. He loved his work, never tiring of pharmaceutical sales. He particularly enjoyed working with the Pfizer Ambassador program in his retirement. Sam was a good friend to many and as his health faded, the number of friends who came to see him was great and their concern was heartfelt. Sam's life centered on his family. He and Nancy married in 1952. They spent the next 62 years together loving and caring for each other and their two sons. Although work required some travel, rare was the family event he missed. Whether in sports or other challenges of life, he was always present supporting his family. Some of his favorite memories were of time spent at Litchfield Beach with his children and grandchildren. For Sam and Nancy, life was a great adventure and the two of them loved to travel. They visited 49 of the 50 states and also visited Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. He was much more enamored with God's creations than those of the hands of man, always amazed that a person could look at our wonderful world and question if there was a God. Sam loved the game of golf. He played with work friends and his Carmel Country Club (ROF) buddies, but his favorite partner was Nancy. Not surprisingly, his love of the game centered more on the relationships and friendships than on his handicap. Sam was a lifelong Lutheran. Saved by grace and not by works, he conveyed his faith with the fruits of the Spirit—"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22) The family wishes to thank all the wonderful physicians and the staff of Carolinas Medical Center who have cared for Sam through the years. The family visitation will be at Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Blvd. on Friday, November 21 at 6:30 pm. Services will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1001 Queens Road on Saturday, November 22 at 1:00. Memorials may be sent to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or Hospice of Charlotte.