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Samuel Gibson Puryear
1942 - 2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Samuel Puryear Obituary
Sep 28, 1942 - Oct 1, 2025
Samuel G. Puryear, Sr., 83, of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away on October 1, 2025. Born September 28, 1942, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and community leader.
A graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Samuel was an All-CIAA golfer, 1965 Small College All-American, and WSSU Hall of Fame inductee (2002). He earned graduate degrees from N.C. A&T State University and Appalachian State University, and served 34 years in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, becoming the first African American principal at Parkland High School.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Whiting Puryear; children, Samuel Jr. (Larita) and Eric Sr. (Laura); seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Eaton (John); and many friends and family.
Funeral services are Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, with viewing at 12 p.m., service at 1 p.m., and interment at Evergreen Cemetery. A repast will follow at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Samuel Puryear
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Puryear
2 Entries
Kerry Crutchfield
Earlier today
I am sad to hear of Samuel's passing and share my sincerest condolences with his family. I knew him as an excellent school administrator, a really good golfer and much fun to play with, and a really good person. I remember him fondly.
Anne Gould
Earlier today
He was my principal for two years where I was a teacher. He was kind and one of the few administrators who trusted his staff to teach correctly and without a lot of supervision. It was obvious he cared a lot about the students as well. He was a true educator.
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