WOODLAND – Albert Samuel “Sam” Lassiter, 87, a native of Woodland, died Friday, September 16, 2011 at Mayview Rehab and Nursing Center in Raleigh.

Sam was born on September 25, 1923, the son of the late John H. and Reatha Vick Lassiter and was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy L. James, and two brothers, Cola E. and John H. Lassiter, Jr.

He is survived by his sister, Bruce Gwendolyn Barnes and brother-in-law, Edwin T. Barnes of Raleigh; sister-in-law, Mary Ann R. Lassiter of Burlington; and a special cousin, Tyrone Hardison of Mann’s Harbor. He is remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews, Gwen B. Abernethy and Malene B. Goforth, both of Charlotte, Tim Barnes of Alpharetta, GA, Cathy B. McKane of Garner, Art Barnes of Raleigh, Rose Lynn James Francis of Chattanooga, TN, Sue James Barnes of Charlotte and Frances L. Harvey of Elon College.

Sam retired with the United States Postal Service after 38 years of service as a rural mail carrier and was very civic-minded serving his community as a volunteer fireman for 27 years and as a volunteer with the Woodland Rescue Squad for 34 years.

Sam served his country as a soldier in the Army and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal after stepping on a land mine in Germany.

He lived his life as a Christian and was a devoted member of Woodland Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and was elected deacon for several terms. His family lovingly remembers him for the sweetest prayers he offered up at each meal.

A special thanks is given to Dr. John Stanley of Woodland, Dr. David Clark and Dr. James Parsons of Raleigh, the staff at Pine Forest Rest Home in Potecasi, Lona Story of Murfreesboro and Tim Duncan of Raleigh for their loving care of Sam as his health declined.

Funeral services are to be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Woodland Baptist Church. The family will receive friends of Sam at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Baptist Church, PO Box 444, Woodland, NC 27897.

Arrangements are being handled by Massey Funeral Home in Jackson, NC.