Samuel P. Shifflett


Samuel Paul Shifflett, 90, of Bridgewater, passed away at the Bridgewater Home on Thursday, June 14, 2012.

He was born Oct. 19, 1921, son of the late Clinton Shirley and Anna Glick Shifflett. He was predeceased by brothers Newt, Glick and Joe, and sisters Helen Fifer and Lois Terry.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Geraldine Huffman Shifflett, whom he married on April 14, 1944; and three daughters, Barbara Shifflett Myers and husband, Vince, of Harrisburg, Pa., Nancy Shifflett Bowman and husband, Bruce, of Fishersville, and Marty E. Shifflett of Harrisburg. He also is survived by four grandchildren, Karee Robinson and husband, Sean, of Harrisburg, Adam Myers and wife, Mary Elizabeth, of Harrisburg, Maggie Bowman of Richmond and Samuel Bowman of Blacksburg. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren.

Sam graduated from Weyers Cave High School in 1939. In November 1942 he entered the U.S. Army where he became part of the 10th Armored Division. In 1944, his unit was deployed to Europe seeing service in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. He was discharged from the Army with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and numerous other medals and campaign stars.

Following his military tour, he worked at Southern States Cooperative then joined his father-in-law on the farm raising livestock and poultry. During this time, he also was a substitute postal carrier. Sam also worked for J.B. Wine Construction Co. before becoming the maintenance supervisor at the Bridgewater Home Community. He retired from that position in 1986 with 21 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of the Summit Church of the Brethren, serving as superintendent, choir member, Sunday school teacher, deacon and numerous times as a member of the executive board of the congregation. He also sang with the Rockingham Male Chorus. He participated in several disaster response teams and was active with the Shenandoah District Disaster Relief Auction.

Sam was an avid gardener, known best for his “Shifflett tomatoes.” He loved sharing his produce with family and friends, a practice he continued until his death. His other hobby was woodworking, which he also shared with family, members of the community and at his church. He used his skill for sharpening knives to become the official “knife sharpener” in the Village at the Bridgewater Home Community.

Sam lived a long, full life. He will be lovingly missed by his family and friends. His honesty, his humor, and his faith in God made the world a better place.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Bridgewater. Burial will be private. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at Summit Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater, on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the memorial service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Organ fund of the Summit Church of the Brethren, 314 Summit Church Road, Bridgewater, VA 22812, or the Bridgewater HealthCare Foundation, 302 N. Second St., Bridgewater, VA 22812.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.