Sam Mcelroy

Lt. Col. Sam Medford McElroy USAF Ret., 96, was welcomed home Saturday October 6, 2018. He left this earth peacefully surrounded by his family as he reached his arms toward the lord. Sam is survived by a daughter Susan and her husband Glenn Michael of Kennesaw, Ga., a son Daniel R. McElroy and his wife Amy( beloved daughter-in-law) of Aiken, SC, a sister-in-law Evelyn Patton, nieces, Leesa Gibbs, Jamie Cole, Marsha Bailey, Julia Williamson all of Asheville, NC and Vickie Grogan and husband Harry. His grandchildren include Hope Branicki and husband Andy, Aaron and wife Nikki Michael, Marshall McElroy and Russell McElroy. His great grandchildren include Sarah Elizabeth and Andrew Branicki, Gray and Anna Michael.
Sam McElroy was born in February 2, 1922 in Lake Junaluska, NC to Samuel and Selma McElroy. He attended Waynesville Township High School (class of 1940) then attended Western Carolina University where he met his future wife of 69 years, Edna McElroy. In 1943 Sam enlisted in the Army Air Corp aviator training program where he earned his pilot wings. Sam served 30 years as a combat pilot in the armed services (United States Air Force). His meritorious service spanned from World War II, Korean conflict and Vietnam War, earning several commendations and medals such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. Sam loved the Lord and his church family as well as the outdoors with gardening, golf, fishing and feeding his birds and turkeys. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Swannanoa Valley Presbyterian Church, PO Box 637, Swannanoa, NC 28778.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Moore Funeral Home at Forest Lawn, 1 Chapel of Faith Drive, Candler, NC on November 3, 2018 at 10:00am with on-site interment following.
Please visit www.moorefh.net to sign the online guest book.