Samuel M. Gurganus

Sam, Jr. was born December 3, 1921, to the late Samuel and Kathleen Gurganus. He grew up in New Bern and graduated from New Bern High School. Sam was very proud to have served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the USS Daniels and the USS Quick. He graduated from the apprentice school at MCAS Cherry Point after his honorable discharge from the Navy. He was retired from the Naval Air Rework Facility of Cherry Point after 31 ½ years of faithful service.

Sam loved to hunt and fish and was always excited when “the boys were getting up a hunt”. He was an avid reader and loved to tell stories from his childhood and Navy days. He loved children and was known as “Grandy” to the many children he and his wife provided childcare for over 45 years. He was a faithful member of Ruth’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathleen Taylor and his brother, James Gurganus.

Sam is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gail Sadler Gurganus, his daughters Ann Robinson and Ellen Gurganus, his granddaughter and loving caregiver, Jami Hooper, his granddaughter Kate Robinson and fiancé David Newkirk and his grandson Trey Robinson and wife Megan. He is also survived by his brother, Ben Gurganus and his family along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He is also survived by his bonus family, Kim Townsend and Sue Walters, daughters of his long time Navy buddy, DT Wilson, and by his “adopted” family Randy, Cindy, Tiffany, and Taylor Glover. He is also survived by his faithful little dog Lucy.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Ayers, Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, and Dr. Robert Whitmore for the loving care and friendship they provided Sam.

Funeral Services will be Saturday June 28th at 11:00am at Cotten Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.