Samuel Edgar Correll

Samuel Edgar “Sam” Correll, 82, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at The Laurels of Salisbury.

Born January 16, 1943, in Rowan County, Sam was a lifelong farmer, a devoted steward of the land, and a pillar of his community. He began farming alongside his father and later partnered with his brother to form Correll Brothers Farm, milking Holsteins and producing tomatoes. Together, they continued a legacy rooted in hard work, innovation, and family tradition, a legacy that was proudly passed down to the next generation as Correll Farms, LLC.

Sam was deeply committed to conservation. The family farm was among the first in the region to adopt practices such as no-till, grass waterways, and other best management practices, preserving the soil and water. The dairy was known for its high milk production and forward-thinking feeding systems. From a venture, Sam and Eubert began as teenagers, tomato production grew into a major part of the farm.

Whether tending cattle or crops, Sam approached every task with quiet dedication and a tireless work ethic that defined his life.

In 1968, Sam married Gloria Perrell. Together they raised two sons and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Sam's hands bore the marks of seasons passed, planting, harvesting, mending fences, but he never hesitated to lend those same hands to a neighbor in need.

A devoted member of Unity Presbyterian Church, Sam served as both a deacon and an elder and also chaired the building committee. His service extended beyond the church to the broader agricultural and conservation communities. He served over 20 years as a Rowan Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, was a board member of the NC Tomato Growers Association (receiving the Honorary Award for his dedication to the industry), served nationally on the Southeast United Dairy Industry Associates (SUDIA) board, was a member of the Rowan Holstein Club and a lifetime member of the West Rowan High School FFA Alumni. He worked closely with NC State University plant scientists on tomato variety development.

One of his final acts of stewardship was placing the family farm into a permanent Conservation Easement, ensuring the land he loved will be protected from development forever.

Sam also played a key role in promoting his hometown of Woodleaf through the Annual Tomato Festival, where he was known for his infectious smile and gentle demeanor.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Perrell Correll; his parents; his brothers Darwin Correll and Nelson Correll; his sisters-in-law Barbara Kepley Perrell, Sara Perrell Owen, Carol Perrell Hartley, and Ginny McGee Correll; and his brother-in-law William “Willie” Perrell.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Bryan Correll; his son, David Correll; daughter-in-law, Cheryl McCoy Correll; and their children, Josie and Talton; his brother, Eubert Correll, all of Cleveland; and his brother-in-law, Larry Perrell (Mildred) of Woodleaf. Also surviving are nieces Kathi Perrell Albea (Derek), Karen Perrell Campbell (Ron Walker), Susan Owen Pugh (Craig), Sally Owen, Ann Hartley, Janice Hartley McHolland, Amy Correll Becker (Larry), Terry Correll Brazinski, Maryann Correll Woods, and Beth Correll; and nephews Roger Perrell, Dean Perrell (Marcia), Jody Perrell (Jennifer), and John Correll (Jennifer).

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Unity Presbyterian Church, 885 Woodleaf Barber Road, Cleveland. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Laurels of Salisbury and Trellis Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Memorials may be made to the Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 28, Woodleaf, NC 27054, or to the organization of your choice.

Sam's legacy lives on in the land he tended, the family he cherished, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Correll family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com or by mail to the family at 1475 Woodleaf Barber Road, Cleveland, NC 27013.