Samuel Garren Burgin

Samuel Garren Burgin, age 90, died peacefully in his beautiful mountain home on October 10th, 2023. Sam was born November 14, 1932 in Asheville, NC to Robert Clifton Burgin and Mary Catherine Brown Burgin. He grew up working hard on his grandfather’s farm and joined the Air Force after graduating from Oakley High School in 1950.

Sam married the love of his life, Rachel Mae Franklin in 1956. He was devoted to her for the next 67 years. He and Rachel traveled the world while he was in the Air Force before returning to Asheville, designing and building their home on the mountain farm where he grew up. Together they raised a daughter, Cynthia, and son, Robert, who he loved dearly and of whom he was tremendously proud.

Sam worked his whole life to provide for his family. He served 23 years in the Air Force, doing tours in Korea and Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force with an honorable discharge, he had a long career in refrigeration, serving local businesses and schools.

Sam had many talents and interests: he served as a Trustee at his church and as a volunteer firefighter in his community. He loved to fly his prop plane and flew as often as he could. He had a sharp wit, a great sense of humor, and loved telling stories. He grew the best corn in the world in his garden. He could fix anything and everything around the house and yard. Grandad enjoyed teaching his grandsons the many things he knew, and was delighted by his great-grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Clifton Burgin and Mary Catherine Brown Burgin, and his sister, Bertha Ann Worley. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Mae Franklin Burgin; daughter, Cynthia Burgin Hammond (Hugh); son, Robert Garren Burgin (Catherine); three grandsons, Nathan Hammond, Devin Hammond, Pierce Burgin; two great-granddaughters, Adelyn and Ellarie Hammond; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

The family is especially grateful to his niece Glenda and her husband Mark for their immeasurable support, presence, and care, both as family and neighbors. The family is thankful as well for the patient and dedicated healthcare workers who were there for him in his times of need.

A memorial service including full military honors will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2pm at Groce United Methodist Church in Asheville. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to either Groce United Methodist Church at PO Box 9459, Asheville, NC 28815, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be left at: www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel Garren Burgin, please visit our floral store.