Sammie R. Overby

Mr. Sammie R. Overby, 91, of Mount Airy, passed into eternal glory surrounded by members of his family on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. He was born October 18, 1919, in Surry County, a son of the late Theodore "Doc" and Carrie Slate Overby. He was the last surviving of seven children. Mr. Overby was a highly-decorated combat veteran of World War II, having served with the 69th AFA in France, Italy, North Africa, Germany, and Belgium; he served active combat for 29 months. Mr. Overby was an active member of his community serving with the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and board member. He was ordained as a deacon at Faith Baptist Church and was a member of Woodland Baptist Church. He retired from National Furniture in 1991, where he worked as a machine operator. He also worked as a part-time night watchman for radio station WSYD. In addition to his parents, Mr. Overby was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Ethel Phillips Overby; and a great-granddaughter, baby Reagan Elizabeth Freeman. He is survived by four children, Delmas Overby and his wife, Susan, Gary Overby and his wife, Patricia, Danny Overby and his wife, Mary, and Debra Overby, all of Mount Airy; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and a special caregiver, Tammy Vaughn. The funeral service will be held Friday, June 3, 2011, at 11:00 AM at Woodland Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jimmy Slate officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service, and other times at the home of Danny Overby, 217 Gilda Drive, Mount Airy. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Woodland Baptist Church, 331 Highland Drive, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy is assisting the Overby family.