Samuel Leroy ‘Sam’ Gathings, 66, of Rockingham, died Saturday, May 19, 2012.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 24, at 2 p.m. in the New Life Church with Rev. Mark Bryant officiating.

The family will receive friends at New Life Church following the service, and other times at the home, located at 440 McGee Road in Rockingham.

A lifelong resident of Richmond County, Sam was born Feb. 20, 1946, to the late Leroy and Leona Williams Gathings. He was a carpenter. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Cotton Gathings.

He is survived by his wife, Lou-Ann Gathings; three sons, Lynn Gathings of Emerald Isle, Frankie Gathings of Laurinburg and Jason Jacobs of the home; two sisters, Diane Frye of West End, Kay McDonald of Panama Beach, Fla.; and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Russell-Marks Funeral Home, 519 Rockingham Road, Rockingham, NC 28379.

Russell-Marks Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.