Bernard Samonds Obituary

Bernard Samonds "Bernie" CHARLOTTE - Bernard (Bernie) Samonds, 64, passed away unexpectedly on May 23 2012. He was born in Charlotte, NC on March 31, 1947 to parents Spencer (Bud) Samonds and Ethel Pilgrim Samonds, who have predeceased him; also, his brother Aubrey (Buddy) Dickson. He is survived by a sister, Betty Hargett of Gastonia. Bernie graduated from North Mecklenburg High School Class of '65. Joined the Navy and served 2 yrs. Studied news writing, editorials, features, photography at UNC Chapel Hill graduating with an AB Degree in Journalism 1969. Being a member of Cole Memorial Methodist Church he served as Scout Master for over 20 years. Bernie was very involved with community affairs serving as publisher of The Derita Reporter, as President of Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization. He was active spokesman for the Derita Small Business Owners Group. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held June 14, 2012 6pm at Cole Memorial Methodist Church with Rev. Patience Brumley and Rev. David Ortigoza officiating. Troop 14 Boy Scouts who he mentored will participate in the Memorial Service to honor their Scout Master. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home Indian Trail.

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Published by Charlotte Observer on Jun. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Samonds

13 Entries

Rick Hyman

June 7, 2024

Once again I get the chance to remember my old friend. As I am still involved with the Scouting program there is hardly a time that a memory of our days together in Troop 14 does not surface. Bernie did the Derita community a great service by preparing generations of young men to go forth and carry on his legacy of outstanding citizenship. He is still missed but his legacy will endure for generations.

Rick Hyman

June 7, 2022

As we come up on the 10th anniversary of the passing of my ol' friend Bernie I have thought about him over the years and the times we spent as young men in our Boy Scout Troop in Derita. We kind of followed the same path in Scouting in that we both came back as adult volunteers to insure that the organization we both loved and saw the need for would continue on with our help. Bernie dedicated his life to the boys of Troop 14 and that legacy is a lasting one. The difference he made in each of their lives will last forever as I am sure they will pass on what they learned from my friend for generations to come. Still remembering you my ol' buddy.

Vernon Teague

November 1, 2012

I was saddened to hear about the death of Bernie. His stories and pictures of Derita will always be with us. Go home buddy & thanks for the memories.

Rick Hyman

June 14, 2012

I will truly miss my friend and fellow Scout Bernie. I was his patrol leader when he came to Troop 14 and we have revisited those memories over the years since. He was a gentle soul and a dedicated man to his community where he used his many talents. Rest well my friend and know that you have left quite a legacy behind in all the young men you guided in Scouting as well as the advances you made in the Derita Community.

Teresa Taylor

June 14, 2012

This is such a shock! I read his newsletters every week and look forward to the scouts postings & pictures on face book. My son was in his scout troop about 10 years ago. He has some of the best memories from that time. We were all in the Derita Halloween parade that year. My heart goes out to his family.
Teresa Taylor

Dixie Copeland

June 14, 2012

I met Bernie when I was thirteen; my family had just moved to Derita. To me he was the 'gentle giant' ~ always will be. May the celebration of your life bring peace to family and friends.

Richard John

June 13, 2012

I am completely shocked by this news. Bernie was DSRCO - he was such a leader and supporter for doing the right things for the entire community that he lived and loved so much. A master historian of the area - I pray for you dear sir - as you welcomed strangers such as myself and always treated me like I was a member of your family. R.I.P.......

Mary (Samonds) Kane

June 13, 2012

Bernie will be sorely missed. He was a distant cousin of my dad's, and it wasn't until Mom and Dad moved to Allen Hills from the Sharon/Southpark area that we really got to know him. He worked tirelessly for the Derita and Statesville Road areas, and the University areas as well.

Jack Brosch

June 13, 2012

I first got involved with DSRCO during the Hubbard Falls rezoning and Bernie quickly helped me understand what the "true" issues were. I will always remember him as a servant leader - he will be missed.

Todd Gray

June 13, 2012

Bernie will definitely be missed by us all. He was my scoutmaster during my time of living in Allen Hills in the 70's. Since the inception of Facebook, he has gone on and brought up pictures and reports of our community back in the day. May he rest in peace and God Bless his soul.

Ken Shields

June 13, 2012

Bernie, brought back a lot of memories of the DAA with his pictures and commentary... Derita has lost a strong advocate and supporter.

Paul Lacey

June 13, 2012

Bernie was "in the know" when it came to local politics and Derita's history without being political himself. I guess it came from his many years as a reporter. The community benefited so much from his involvement. He will definitely be missed. God Bless you Bernie.

Peggy Almond

June 13, 2012

I will surely miss getting the Derita Paper in my email every month. If you had any type of community problem Bernie could always help you by directing you to the proper people. I will miss the old "local" stories he shared with all of us, they brought back lots of memories. I know he is glad to be with his family now. RIP Bernie.

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