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Samuel Lee Chafin

Samuel Chafin Obituary

Samuel Lee Chafin, 65, of Riner, died on Monday, January 19, 2009. Sam dedicated his life to the agricultural and dairy industries. He worked in the Agriculture Extension Service earlier in his life, and retired as the general manager of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA). He was an avid sportsman, and in his later years, enjoyed trap and skeet shooting. Sam is fondly remembered for his dry sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Carol Chafin; his son, Brian Chafin; his brother and his wife, Donald and Jane Chafin, and their children, Justin Chafin, and Jenny and Scott Jacobs; great-nephew, Brady Jacobs; his in-laws, Maxine Graybeal, Jerry and Barb Graybeal, Janet and Robert Phillips, Alan Graybeal, and Laura Bullard; and his valued administrative assistant, Kathy Ratcliffe. A celebration of Sam's life will be at held at Gardner Funeral Home on Friday, January 23, 2009, from 3 to 5 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Guide Dogs of America. www.guidedogsofamerica.org. Arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Chafin

30 Entries

kathy stadler

February 15, 2009

Carol, I just got the e-mail from Angie. Very shocked to hear the news about Sam.Yes, he did have a dry sense of humor and I liked telling him joke and "BS" with him. I think he was always happy to leave when the girls came to visit! Take care and I will call soon. Love, kathy, randy and mr. coco

Tina Jester

January 26, 2009

carol,
I only got to meet you one time and that was at Sam's surprise party in October but my heart goes out to you. Sam was a good man and even with his dry sense of humor he would still make someone feel better if they were down. I talked to Sam many times on the phone and knew that when I called he would always think "not her again" but he always had an answer to my problem that day. I will really miss Sam and I am keeping you in my thoughts. We all lost a great friend.

Brad Rector

January 23, 2009

I was so sorry to hear about Sam. I really enjoyed working and just talking with Sam when I called the office. Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Josie Bishop

January 22, 2009

Sam was truly one of my favorite clients. We always had fun talking about mutual friends from Auburn HS days as we planned his next trip. And Sam always had interesting stories to tell when he got home!
He will be greatly missed.

Brenda Naff

January 22, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Diane Miller

January 22, 2009

I will always remember Sam as a caring man who made life a little better for all who worked for him. I had the pleasure to work with Sam for 18 years. My deepest sympathy to his family. (supervisor 180 Diane R. Miller Lynchburg-Bedford DHIA)

Ken Butcher

January 21, 2009

Dear Carol and Brian,
Sue and I were saddened to hear about your loss of Sam. He was truly one of a kind. We admired his wit, wisdom and friendliness. It was always a joy to visit with him. We will always remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Ken and Sue Butcher

Ed Smith

January 21, 2009

Sam is one of the nicest men that I have ever met!! I was always impresssed by how he could stop everything to talk or ask about ones well-being. I know he is now in heaven where he is leading the conversation in the hallways and being just hilarious and pleasant.

Doug Settle

January 21, 2009

I shall miss the many phone coversations with Sam. Wish he could have been able to enjoy his retirement more. With deepest sympathy, Doug Settle (supervisor 659, Culpeper, VA)

Gay Cheatham

January 21, 2009

Carol and Brian,
I am very sorry to hear about Sam.I always look forward to seeing his smiling face and wonderful sence of humor. He knew how to make the day so much brighter.I will always remember how he loved to get home from work;sit in his chair at the window and watch his wildlife friends outside.
My prayers are with you.Please let me know if I can do anything for you at this very difficult time.

Barry Moore

January 21, 2009

Sorry to hear of Sam's passing. He will be greatly missed at the skeet range. On behalf of Dublin Clays Incorporated we send our deepest sympathy.

January 21, 2009

I am sorry for your loss. Sam was always a pleasant person to be around.

Desiree Oliver Beamer

Candy Whitt

January 21, 2009

Carol,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

pat bishop

January 21, 2009

Sorry to hear of Sam's passing.
May God keep His loving arms around all of you.
Our prayers are with all of you.
love and prayers, Richard and pat Bishop

Fred Copenhaver

January 21, 2009

Sam and I have not been in touch for several years but, Sam will always be remembered by the old hunting gang for being a witty fun loving fellow. My throughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy Ratcliffe

January 21, 2009

Carol & Brian

As you know I worked with Sam for so many years. He meant so very much to me. He was my boss, my friend, and my confidant. I have so many memories of him and I will hold each one of them in my heart forever. I thank God for allowing Sam to be a part of my life. He was loved by all and will be missed by all that knew him. When I walk in the office I can still see him sitting there eating his morning snack, which was a banana and peanut butter right out of the jar. He was a dear person to me.

Phoebe Peterson

January 21, 2009

Dear Chafin Family,
I am so grateful to have worked down the hall from such a kind and funny soul as Sam. He will always make me smile. You are in my prayers.

randy southard

January 21, 2009

Dear Mrs. Chafin and Family,

I had the privilege of working with Sam on the insurance program for DHIA for the past 19 years. What a gentleman. What a marvelous spirit!
I will miss his humor, demeanor, and Friendship.

Randy Southard

Cathy Akers

January 21, 2009

Dear Carol,

Please know how very sorry I am for your loss. Sam could always make me laugh in the break room when we all gathered for lunch. He was always ready to celebrate a birthday with song. You and your family are in my prayers.

Sincerely, Cathy Akers

Betsy Cook

January 20, 2009

Carol and Brian,
I am so sad to hear of Sam's passing. I am grateful that I was able to see him in August. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Becky Michael

January 20, 2009

Carol,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've only known Sam since this past spring but he quickly became one of my favorite people in Litton Reaves. He always made me smile and laugh and I'll never forget him.

Phil Blevins

January 20, 2009

Carol and Brian,
I just cannot believe it. Bill McKinnon let me know last night. I hope that if there is anything I can do you will let me know. I always enjoyed working with him when I was with DHIA. You are in my prayers.

Beth Ashe

January 20, 2009

Dear Carol,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Please let me and my team members know what we can do to help you through this sorrowful time.

Joel S. Williams & Associates

John Hungate

January 20, 2009

Mrs. Chafin, we are so sorry for the loss of Sam. What a great guy and so much fun to talk with. Sam will be missed greatly. Everyone here thought a lot of Sam. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The staff at Medi Home Care.

Chuck Heavener

January 20, 2009

I was very saddened to hear of Sam's passing. My wife Mary and I will miss him. Everytime I came home from a shoot at the club my wife would ask me 2 questions, how did I shoot and was Sam there? Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Alan & Keith Corey

January 20, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Keith and I will always remember Sam with fondness and a smile on our faces when we think of our trapshooting buddy. Our condolences to the family. Alan and Keith Corey

Everette Martin

January 20, 2009

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sally Barnett

January 20, 2009

To the family of a very gentle man with the heart to match! His laughter will be missed & his great "Happy Birthday" songs will reside within each of us!
Dairy Science Dept, Virginia Tech

Gerald Carter

January 20, 2009

I believe this is the same Sam that attended Boy's State with me in the early 60's. I remember him as a great guy, but have not been in contact since then.

Michelle Greaud

January 20, 2009

Your family is in my prayers. I worked down the hall from Sam and he always had a smile and a friendly word.

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