Samuel House Register

FALKLAND

Samuel House Register, age 84, was born October 26, 1934 to Stuart and Cora Register. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy Register and Sgt Major Forrest Register; and sisters, Marjorie Hale and Merle Carlyle. He leaves a lifetime of treasured memories for his wife, Carol Norville Register; daughter, Samantha Oakes and her husband, Justin; and four grandchildren, Abby and Lauren Brann, and Izzy and Jase Oakes, all of Grifton.

Sam started playing military Taps at the age of 11 as a boy scout, playing for fallen soldiers of WWII returning home to Edgecombe, Greene, and Martin counties. He later served eight years as a military musician, playing in the half of the U.S. Field Forces Band that toured Europe. During his career, he was honored to have played Taps for more than 300 military services.

He met his wife, Carol, in September of 1967 where she was a teacher and he was interim band director. They were married in April of 1968 and lived in Tarboro until 1970 when he went to work with Wilkerson Funeral Home. He attended Cincinnati Mortuary College, received his Funeral Director/Embalmer license in 1970, and worked for Wilkerson's for most of his career before owning and operating Community Funeral Home in Falkland from 1978 to 1986. This allowed him to have much more time to spend being involved in his daughter Samantha's life and participating with her in various activities.

During these years he was active in Falkland Presbyterian Church, serving several terms on the Session and several years as choir director, directing the church's very first cantata.

In 2000, Sam was diagnosed with Parkinson's and retired a few years later. As the symptoms of his disease progressed, he lived a relatively quiet life at home, making and giving countless tapes and CDs to shut-ins and terminally ill patients. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who gave him the will to continue fighting. Sam's journey here on earth came to a close Wednesday night, October 2, 2019. He finished his fight with courage and dignity and will be missed by family and friends alike.

At Sam's request, there will be no services held. Instead, friends are welcome to love and support the family by visiting them at the home.

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