Sam Couch

Mr. Larry Samuel “Sam” Couch, age 74, of State Road, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Mr. Couch was born November 3, 1947, in Surry County to L. Herman and Stuart Simmons Couch and was a devoted son, husband, step-father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Sam was a true humanitarian, living a life of service to his God, his family, and his community. He served as a Sunday School teacher at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where he grew up and was baptized. He was a graduate of Appalachian State University, receiving both his B.S. and M.A. Sam began his career in education in 1969, retiring after more than 3 decades. During his career Sam served as principal for Surry Central High School and North Surry High School. Sam served on the Surry County Board of Commissioners for eight years, the Surry County Health Board for six years, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, Northwest Piedmont COG Board for six years, SACS District Coordinator for six years and served as President of Cedarbrook Country Club, and was a member of the Elkin Masonic Lodge #454. He was a member of Elkin Valley Baptist Church. His greatest legacy, is his love and devotion to his family.  He loved spending time with his family, especially the two most important and influential women in his life: his mother and his wife.  Sam’s passions were golfing with his friends, Duke Basketball, and “getting things done.” He accomplished the latter through a constant positive attitude, and the ability to light up any room he entered with a smile and commanding presence.  A man of integrity and strong moral fiber, Sam truly had a servant’s heart for his students and community.

He was preceded in death by his father and nephew, Robert Christopher Graham.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Jeanette O. Couch of the home; mother, Stuart Simmons Couch of State Road; daughters, Jennifer Pruitt and her husband Matthew of Yadkinville; Janel Steelman and her husband Lincoln of Concord; sister, Glenda C. Graham and her husband Robert of State Road; grandchildren, Carson Pruitt, Saylor Pruitt, Rutledge Steelman, Emerson Steelman, Hensley Grace Steelman, Phineas Steelman; and nephew, Dr. Jonathan Stuart Graham.

Sam will lie-in-state Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Elkin Valley Baptist Church CLC with Dr. Johnny Blevins and Dr. Stephen Robbins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Surry Central High School, Attn: Sam Couch Memorial Scholarship Fund, 716 S. Main St., Dobson, NC 27017.