Reverend Earl Wilson Sossamon

Reverend Earl W. Sossamon, 99, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 17, 2016. Earl was the son of the late Joseph and Martha Stegall Sossamon. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Hallie of 66 years, a son Kay Sossamon, a daughter Earlene Price, a grandson Stephen Sossamon and eight siblings, Annie Mae McClain, Martha Jane Squires, Willie Sossamon, Minnie Sossamon, Lois Richardson, Myrtle Privette, Earsel McCall and Dot Underwood.

His father died when he was 15 years old. He became the head of the household, working and taking care of his mother and sisters, during the Great Depression. As a young man he was a farmer and later worked at Charlotte Casket Factory in Charlotte. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was devoted to his large family. He surrendered to God’s call and was ordained to preach the message of Jesus Christ by Sardis Baptist Church in 1956. Reverend Sossamon was Pastor of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail for twenty-four years (1958 to 1982). After retirement; he served several churches as an interim Pastor. During his many years of ministry, he married more than 100 couples and baptized more than 300 people. Recently, he told several friends of his desire to preach again on his 100th birthday. All who knew him were amazed by his lifelong clarity of mind and memory. He will truly be missed by his family and so many that were touched by his ministry spanning 60 years.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening, April 19, 2016 from six o'clock P.M. until eight o’clock P.M. at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail; Services to celebrate his life will be eleven o’clock A.M. on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, with Reverend Mike Whitson, Reverend Gary Underwood officiating. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park beside his wife Hallie.

Survivors include his son James R. (Ron) Sossamon and wife Linda of Fairview N.C. Granddaughters: Cindy Price Simmons (Carl) of Mint Hill, Lana Price Hewitt (Danny) of Hemby Bridge, Penny Sossamon Broome (Ricky) of Monroe, Christy Sossamon Moore (Scott) of Monroe, Shelley Sossamon Smith (David) of Indian Trail, Julie Sossamon Edwards (Heath) of Indian Trail, fourteen great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail N.C. 28079.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mcewenmonroechapel.com.

McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Reverend Sossamon.